Woman spat and vomited on Garda cell in Laois
The woman apologised to Gardai following the incident
A woman who admitted spitting and vomiting on a cell at Abbeyleix Garda Station has been given time to pay for the clean up.
Sophia Cooke (20) of Derrygorry, Killybrone, Co Monaghan, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of public intoxication and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Market Square, Portlaoise on June 21, 2026. She was further accused of criminal damage at Abbeyleix Garda Station on the same date.
Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty to the offence.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at 2.15am when the woman was observed in a highly intoxicated state, “stumbling” on the footpath. She was arrested and taken to Abbeyleix Garda Station where “she continuously spat and vomited in the cell area” and the cleaning charge was €150, he explained. Sgt Kirby said the woman was apologetic when she sobered up.
Mr Meagher said his client had written a letter of apology but said she doesn’t have the cleaning fee as she doesn’t have a fixed address or an income at present.
He said the woman had been out with her boyfriend that night and he was attacked and had his jacket and wallet stolen. She had become agitated and had drunk too much, he said.
“She was simply ill from alcohol going back to the station,” he explained.
Judge Andrew Gubbins said he would give the woman time to gather money to pay for the cleaning. He remanded her on bail to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on January 18.