Inmate allegedly told prisoner he had a ‘lovely arse’ 

A prisoner who allegedly told another inmate he had “a lovely arse” has appeared in court accused of sexual assault. 

The man (49), who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of sexual assault in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise on November 10, 2024. 

Detective Garda Michael O’Donovan said the defendant made no reply when charged. He told the court the DPP had directed that the case be heard in the district court subject to the Judge’s approval and he outlined the allegation for Judge Susan Fay. 

Det O’Donovan said the incident occurred in the horticulture area of the prison. He said it is “alleged the accused tapped the bottom of the injured party and he made a sexualised comment towards him.”

He said the injured party was another inmate and it was alleged the accused told the man “that he had a lovely arse”. 

On hearing the allegation, Judge Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case. 

Solicitor Brian Duffy requested disclosure and said “I believe a certain course will be taken” in the case. 

Judge Susan Fay granted disclosure to include CCTV and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on December 8. She granted legal aid and said she would impose reporting restrictions “for now” in the case.