Judge seeks updated probation report for man on public order charges

A judge has ordered an updated probation report to be carried out on a Mullingar man accused of a number of public order related offences in the town.

Judge Bernadette Owens said she wanted probation services to re-engage with Thomas Donoghue (37), 20 Connell Terrace, Mullingar, Westmeath, following his appearance in court last Thursday. He was charged with using threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with the direction of Garda Enda Kelly at Austin Friar Street, Mullingar, on March 13, 2025.

Louis Kiernan, defending, said his client would plead guilty to both charges and said a probation report was to hand for the consideration of the court. He indicated there was a further matter which had allegedly occurred since that the completion of the report in September.

He said charges had been brought in relation to that and that it had been pencilled in for a court sitting in mid-January.

He said outside of that, Mr Donoghue had managed to steer clear of further garda attention and was living at home while looking after his partner’s child.

Judge Owens said a “preliminary look” at a probation report in October appeared to corroborate Mr Kiernan’s appraisal. She said in light of new matters, the court would seek an updated probation report.

Mr Donoghue was remanded on bail to Mullingar District Court on January 15, 2026.