Man threatened to hit Gardai in Portlaoise

A probation report was ordered for a man who was drunk and threatening to hit gardai at a Laois estate.  

Nigel Goldbey, 29, of Inishannagh Park, Newcastle, Galway admitted being drunk and abusive at Cois na Habhann in Portlaoise on November 28 last.

Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was “highly abusive and aggressive with gardai, threatening to hit them” when approached at 8.45pm. He said the man has 15 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client has issues with alcohol. He said the man had received treatment last year for alcoholism but had relapsed. He said the man has been doing well in recent weeks. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted the man was given a two and a half year suspended sentence in the past.

“I am going to give him one opportunity,” he said before adjourning the case back to July 7 for a probation report.