‘Workaholic’ sentenced for public order offences in Portlaoise

A court heard a “workaholic” needs to find a different way of dealing with stress after he appeared in court accused of public order offences. 

Simon Donogher (38) of Bishopswood, Portarlington admitted to being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a flickknife at Market Square, Portlaoise on June 27 last. 

Solicitor Brian Duffy said his client had been referred for a probation report when he last appeared. He said his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and while there was an admission to possessing a knife, he said it was a “work tool” and the incident occurred when his client, who employs 14 people, had gone out after work. 

Mr Duffy described his client as a “workaholic” and said he has to find a better way of dealing with his work stress. He asked Judge Susan Fay to be as lenient as possible. 

Judge Fay said the man had 20 previous convictions. Mr  Duffy said they mainly related to minor road traffic offences. 

Judge Fay noted the man had been referred to the Athy Alternative Project but hadn’t completed it. 

Mr Duffy said “he had a significant number of jobs coming up” and “they took over”.  

“The probation service found that there was poor intention to address his alcohol use,” noted Judge Fay. 

Mr Duffy said the man had attended programmes but he didn’t feel they were much use to him. “I think he does need to address work stress and how to deal with it,” said Mr Duffy. 

Judge Fay noted that there were a lot of people relying on the defendant for employment. She said there was a very good chance he could appear in court again if he doesn’t address the underlying issue. 

She sentenced him to a three month sentence which she suspended for two years and fined him a total of €800.