Kildare woman who works with prisoners was drunk and abusive on main street

A woman who works with prisoners dealing with addiction appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of being intoxicated.

Lindsey Kelly (38) with an address in Rathangan, Co Kildare, is accused of being intoxicated and engaging in abusive or threatening behaviour at Main Street, Monasterevin on September 20, 2025.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was intoxicated and abusive on Main Street in Monasterevin at 1.30am on the date in question.

“She was abusive and had to be arrested,” he said. She has one previous conviction for drunk driving from Naas District Court, said Sgt Kirby.

David Nugent BL said his client worked with the Irish Prison Service in “addiction services” and “this is going to have a detrimental effect on her life”.

He said his client was apologetic as she had not been aware of a previous court date.

He said her job was helping people who have an addiction and she was a community and prison link worker.

He said the offending occurred at a particularly difficult time in her life.

“I wouldn’t like to see her ruin a good career that she has established,” he said.

Judge Susan Fay said she would give the woman a chance if she took a number of steps.

These included an anger management course, volunteering for six months with both St Vincent de Paul and Tidy Towns and attending the Alternative Project and that she donates €150 to Merchants Quay Ireland.

She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on October 12.

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