Laois man has no recollection of telling garda to ‘eff off’
Image for illustration purposes
A DEFENDANT told Judge Susan Fay he had no recollection of telling a garda to ‘eff off’ or of attempting to strike a garda when he appeared at Portlaoise District Court by video link from Wheatfield Prison.
John Egan, 13 Churchfield Heights, Castletown was summoned for being intoxicated in a public place, engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, obstruction and with disorderly conduct at Lyster Square, Portlaoise on 29 July 2023.
He pleaded guilty to the offences.
Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court that at 4.15pm that day, gardaí saw Mr Egan shouting and roaring and waving his hands at another man. They approached him and asked him to leave the area, but he told gardaí to eff off and tried to strike a garda, but missed.
He said the 44-year-old defendant had 25 previous convictions, 20 of which were for public order offences.
Defending solicitor Philip Meagher said: “He has no recollection of what happened on the day because he was highly intoxicated. Drink has been a difficulty for Mr Egan for many years and he uses alcohol as a crutch. He’s using his time in custody very productively. It wouldn’t have been his normal form when he’s sober to act in that fashion.” Judge Fay convicted the defendant of obstruction and fined him €300 or five days in custody and took the other matters into consideration.
Mr Meagher said that as his client was currently in custody, he would be unable to pay the fine and as such will accept the five days.
