Court told assault on boy in Laois was filmed

Portlaoise District Court was told a video was circulated of a boy punching another boy and kicking him in the head.

A teenager(16), who has a Laois address cannot be identified due to his age, admitted assaulting another teenager causing him harm at a location in Laois on July 13, 2025.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the injured party was in a wooded area when he was approached by the accused who “punched him and gave him a kick in the face” resulting in a cut above his left eye and bruising to his face.

Sgt Kirby explained that the injured party was 14 at the time of the assault. The boy’s father brought a video of the assault to the attention of Gardaí. The court was told the accused is 13 months older than the injured party.

Sgt said a voluntary caution statement was taken from the accused. “He did make admissions and he said he was sorry,” he remarked.

Judge Andrew Gubbins asked if the teenager had any previous conditions and whether a victim impact statement was available to the court.

Sgt Kirby said the boy didn’t have any prior convictions and that he hadn’t come to the attention of Gardai since the incident.

Judge Gubbins noted the injured party hadn’t brought a complaint to Gardai but he said a victim impact statement “at least needs to be canvassed” before the matter is finalised. He adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on December 14.