Welder smeared blood on Garda cell in Laois and urinated on blanket 

A welder smeared phlegm and blood on a Garda vehicle and stuffed a blanket down a Garda cell toilet before urinating on it.  

Stanislav Vasek (35) of 70 Main Street, Portlaoise,  admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at JFL Avenue, Portlaoise and causing criminal damage to a Garda vehicle and cell on March 11, 2026. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said users were seen “rushing off a bus” at JFL Avenue at 6.15pm on the date in question. He said the accused was “visibly intoxicated and bleeding from his mouth” while behaving in an aggressive manner. The man was arrested and “spat blood and phlegm" on the garda vehicle. He was taken  to Abbeyleix Garda Station where he was placed in a cell. 

Sgt Kirby said the man smeared blood and bodily fluids all over the walls of the cell. He also stuffed the blanket into the toilet and urinated on it. He said the cleaning of the vehicle cost €150 and the clean up of the cell cost €200. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client “accepts his behaviour was absolutely appalling”. 

“I would prefer if he put his hands into his pocket than put his hands up,” said Judge Andrew Cody. He put the case back until later in the day in order for the man to get some money. 

When the case was called again at Portlaoise District Court, Ms Fitzpatrick said €400 had been handed in to the court. “He wants to express to the court how apologetic he is,” she said. Ms Fitzpatrick said the man was “extremely ashamed” and clearly drink didn’t suit him. She said the man was a welder who worked with his own family. She asked the court to be as lenient as possible. 

Noting the money was handed over, Judge Cody fined the man €250 for each of the criminal damage incidents and €500 for engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour. The intoxication charge was taken into account.