Man used Portlaoise Garda Station cell as toilet

A man who urinated all over a garda cell was urged to think about the cost of his actions to the State. 

Lee Dennehy, 22, of 86 Rossvale, Portlaoise admitted being intoxicated in public at Clonroosk Little on February 19 last. He also admitted causing criminal damage at Portlaoise Garda Station on January 8, 2024. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby outlined the criminal damage incident in January. 

“He urinated all over the cell and we had to get a cleaner to clean it up,” he explained. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant was arrested for being drunk and a danger to himself on February 19. He explained that the man had nine previous convictions and had been given a six month sentence that was suspended for two years last December. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty to both offences.

Judge Nicola Andrews asked Sgt Kirby about the cost of cleaning the cell. 

Sgt Kirby said the “soilage charge” was €200. 

“You might talk to him about the loss to the State of him using the cell as a toilet,” Judge Andrews said to Mr Meagher. 

She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on May 13.