Community Service for intoxicated man who tried to fight ambulance staff in the Midlands

An intoxicated man took off his top and tried to fight ambulance staff who came to his assistance in Laois. 

Marek Macuda (35) of 85A Brindle Hill, Charleville, Cork, was arrested for a number of public order incidents in Portlaoise in June and July of 2024.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man had to be arrested at Colliers Court in Portlaoise for “roaring and shouting” and being “extremely aggressive" at 11.10pm on June 22. A day later, Sgt Kirby said he was “lying on the ground” in Colliers Court at 5.20pm while children were playing. The man was woken up but was “unable to walk” and had to be arrested for his own safety.

On July 17, the man was found “stumbling on the footpath” in Colliers Court at 11.45pm. He was issued a fine but it wasn’t paid. On July 20, the man was again stumbling on the footpath at 2.20pm while children were playing in Colliers Court. 

At 10.30pm on July 20 the man was found “lying on the footpath” on the Borris Road in Portlaoise. Sgt Kirby said when he was woken by ambulance staff and gardaí, he became abusive and was shouting. 

“He took off his shirt and tried to fight the ambulance staff,” said Sgt Kirby. 

He said the man had six previous convictions which included four for public order offences. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the court “had the benefit of a very good probation report.” 

She said the report found him of low risk of reoffending and noted he was in employment. She said the man had lost his brother and sought solace in alcohol. He is now attending a gym and has not come to garda attention since the offending. 

“He is hoping that the court will leave him his liberty,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said it had been a dark and difficult time for her client but he had now turned a corner. 

Judge Susan Fay imposed 100 hours of community service which she said was to be completed within one year.