Allegedly knocked man’s teeth out in a Laois pub
The man appeared before Portlaoise District Court
A judge refused jurisdiction in an alleged assault case after hearing the victim’s teeth were knocked out.
Ethan Neville (19) of Peafield Lodge, Pike of Rushall, Mountrath, is accused of assault causing harm at Tom Delaney’s Bar, Main Street, Mountrath on December 20, 2024.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that while the case was marked summary, meaning it could be heard in the district court, he had some concerns. “I would ask you to consider jurisdiction,” he said to Judge Susan Fay.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the DPP had directed summary.
Sgt Kirby said “allegedly there was a number of teeth missing”. He provided pictures and a medical report to Judge Fay.
She said it was alleged the injured party suffered a dislocated knee and his “teeth were knocked out”.
Ms Fitzpatrick said she would need disclosure in order to make submissions in relation to jurisdiction in the case. Judge Fay told Ms Fitzpatrick that her efforts would be “a waste of time”.
“He had a dislocated knee and he lost two teeth, that is what is alleged,” said Judge Fay.
Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was indicating a defence of self defence.
Judge Fay said the man had the presumption of innocence but she believed the issue of jurisdiction would be a separate matter from his defence.
“I just can’t see how it is relevant to the court considering jurisdiction,” said Judge Fay.
She refused jurisdiction, adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on March 23 for service of a book of evidence. Judge Fay deferred legal aid and remanded the defendant on bail. He was excused from attending on the next date if the book of evidence wasn’t ready.