Two to be tried over serious Portlaoise assault

Books of evidence were served on two men who were accused of assault in Portlaoise.

Darren Coss, 34, with an address at 15 Cois na hAbhainn, Portlaoise is accused of assault causing harm in Kilminchy, Portlaoise on October 30 last year. 

Garda Sergeant Michael Tarpey gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on the accused. 

Sgt JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that the accused be sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court sitting on October 24. He said the DPP had also directed that the DPP does not consent to the accused being sent forward on a signed plea. 

Judge Andrew Cody sent the case forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court and certified for legal aid for a solicitor and barrister in the case. 

Andrew Murphy, 29, with an address at 3 Mountain View, Ballyfin Road, Portlaoise is also accused of assault causing harm at Kilminchy, Portlaoise on October 30 last year. 

Sgt Michael Tarpey said he had served a book of evidence on the accused. 

Sgt JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed the defendant should be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 24. He said the DPP does not consent to the accused being sent forward on a signed plea. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald requested two barristers for his client. He said it was allegedly a “very serious assault” that had resulted in one person being treated in Beaumont Hospital with a fractured skull having been struck on the head with a pick axe handle and another person receiving a fractured arm. 

Judge Cody sent the case forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court and consented to legal aid for a solicitor and two barristers for each of the defendants.