Man was lying in ditch in Laois with can of Guinness in his hand

A court heard a man was found lying on the ground with a can of Guinness in one hand and a can of cider in his pocket. 

John Paul Ryan (40) of 5 College View, Mountmellick, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated at College View on June 12 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said Gardaí had observed the defendant lying in a ditch with an open can of Guinness in one hand and a can of cider in his pocket. He said the man, who was highly intoxicated, had 85 previous convictions. 

Sgt Kirby told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that although the man had a lot of previous convictions, “he is behaving himself a bit better recently”. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty. He said the defendant has had difficulty with drink in the past. He said the defendant had been drinking with his brother on the night in question.  “He hasn’t come to adverse attention recently,” he added. 

Noting the early plea, Judge Peter White fined the man €150 and gave him six months to pay.