Laois woman pulled hair from victim’s head during assault
Woman appears before sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A Laois woman has appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of assaulting a person at a Portarlington address.
Bridget Nevin (48) of 49 Kilmalogue Place, Portarlington pleaded guilty to the offence before Judge Catherine Ryan.
Garda Sgt JJ Kirby told the court that on April 11, 2025 at 7:45pm at 50 Kilmalogue Place, the accused made offensive comments and climbed over a garden wall.
The defendant is accused of slapping the victim and pulling hair from the victim’s head, allegedly taunting the victim and shouting ‘I have your hair, you whale’.
“She became homeless and was in England when a warrant was executed, she has come back to deal with the matter,” defending solicitor Ms Josephine Fitzpatrick told the court.
Judge Ryan questioned whether a victim impact statement or a probation suitability report were undertaken.
“She would benefit from probation, she has since left the area after being evicted and had to leave and go to England, she also has a Tallaght address,” Ms Fitzpatrick added.
Sgt Kirby stated that the accused had six previous convictions, including an old conviction for assault.
“She is 48 and life hasn’t been kind to her. She wasn’t kind on that day,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
Judge Ryan ordered that the accused be remanded and continue on bail until September 21 2026 for a victim impact report and a probation suitability report.
The accused presented €200 of a €500 total to Ms Fitzpatrick, which she intends to pay to the court.