Man was ‘roaring and shouting’ at woman outside Portlaoise Courthouse
The man appeared in court accompanied by the woman
A man was arrested for ‘roaring and shouting’ at a woman outside Portlaoise Courthouse.
John Donoghue (49) of 8 Heather Hill Square, Graiguecullen, pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Main Street, Portlaoise on June 23 last.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the man was pleading guilty and had attended court in the company of the woman who he was speaking to on the day.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at 10.45am outside the courthouse where there was a large gathering of people.
He said the accused “came roaring and shouting at a female across the road” and was “directed to desist and leave” the area but he remained.
“There were two children present with the female on the Main Street and he was arrested,” said Sgt Kirby. He said the man had 19 previous convictions but the most recent date to 2021.
Ms Fitzpatrick said the woman was known to the defendant and an issue had arisen over another relation and the man was “annoyed”.
“He apologises for his behaviour on the day,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.
She said the man was in court “accompanied by his wife and the young lady he was speaking to on the date in question”.
She said her client was in receipt of jobseekers allowance and she asked the court to be as lenient as possible.
Judge Andrew Gubbins fined the man €200 and gave him six months to pay.