Man in court over ‘very serious’ assault in Laois

A man appeared in court charged with assault causing serious harm in Portlaoise. 

Emmet Holohan, 37, with an address at 36 Kirwan Park, Mountmellick is accused of assault causing serious harm and production of an article at College View in Mountmellick on February 16 last. 

The defendant was served with a book of evidence at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man should be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on June 13. 

“I remember this as a very serious assault,” Judge Andrew Cody remarked.

“I don’t know where my solicitor is,”  the defendant told Judge Cody.  He said he was being represented by Tracy Horan solicitors.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald offered to stand in and requested two counsel in the case as the assault charge carries a potential sentence of life in prison. 

Judge Andrew Cody granted legal aid for two counsel and sent the case forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on June 13.