Case of man allegedly biting a female prison officer at Laois prison struck out

A charge against a prisoner who was accused of assaulting a female prison officer has been struck out at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.  

John Connors (43) of 24 Drumgoold Villas, Enniscorthy, Wexford, is accused of assault causing harm at the Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise on June 27, 2023. 

At a previous court sitting, Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident involved a female prison officer and it would be alleged that the defendant "allegedly bit her on the right hand and left wrist leaving bite marks”. The court was told the officer attended hospital after the incident. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the case had been marked peremptory against the State at the previous hearing for service of the book of evidence. 

Sgt Kirby said “we don’t have a book of evidence” and the Laois State Solicitor had requested it be marked “double peremptory” on this occasion. He said there remained an issue around CCTV of the alleged incident. He said the defendant isn’t due for release until October 26, 2026 and the CCTV issue may or may not benefit his case. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the incident was alleged to have occurred three years ago. “I am urging the court to strike it out,” she said. Ms Fitzpatrick said peremptory is meant to have some meaning and it is “up to the State to come again” when they have the evidence. 

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Judge Susan Fay said in December 2025 there was consent to extend time in the case and the book of evidence should have been ready on March 16, 2026. “Mr Connors has been reasonable with the State,” said Judge Fay.

“In these circumstances I am striking out with liberty to re-enter,” said Judge Fay.