Inmate allegedly bit female prison officer in Portlaoise
The man appeared before Portlaoise District Court
A man appeared in court accused of biting a female prison officer at the Midlands Prison.
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.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the matter had previously been struck out and the man was being charged again.
Garda Aidan McCabe gave evidence of charging the defendant at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. He said the man made no reply when charged.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it would be alleged the injured party was breaking up a fight between two inmates when the defendant “bit her on the right hand and the left wrist leaving bite marks”.
Judge Susan Fay said she would need to see a medical report before deciding whether or not to accept jurisdiction.
She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on May 18 via video link to consider jurisdiction.
Ms Fitzpatrick said her client would like to be produced. Judge Fay asked why. She said it was a cost to the State and she noted there were three prison officers accompanying the accused.
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She adjourned the case and at the request of Ms Fitzpatrick extended legal aid to cover a fitness to plea report for the defendant who was making comments during the case.