Man who admitted assault in Laois could change plea

A sitting of Portlaoise District Court was told a man who admitted to an assault may seek to withdraw his plea. 

David Bradshaw (37) with an address at The Right Bungalow, Ballinakill Road, is accused of assaulting a man at Colt, Abbeyleix on May 16, 2023. 

John O’Dwyer BL said he had an unusual application to make at the court. He said the defendant was in court with a third party and Solicitor Brian Duffy was willing to come on record in the case. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the injured party in the case doesn’t want to make a victim impact statement. 

“I would ask for an adjournment. I would like if full disclosure could be made again to Mr Duffy’s office,” said Mr O’Dwyer. 

He said it was an unusual application but there were unusual circumstances in the case. “I think in the interest of justice the court might consider that important,” he remarked. 

Sgt Kirby said the case was before the court on a number of occasions. He said a plea of guilty had been entered. He said there was another solicitor who got disclosure and he suggested that they might forward it on. “We have enough to be doing,” he said. 

Mr O’Dwyer said disclosure had never been made due to the plea of guilty. 

“Is he seeking to change his plea?” asked Judge Susan Fay. 

Mr O’Dwyer said he would like to see full disclosure before that decision is made but there might be an application. 

Sgt Kirby said there was a plea in July of 2025 and disclosure may no longer be available. “It may be gone,” he said. 

Mr O’Dwyer said he was not taking the application lightly. He said he had his own evidence which may be produced. He again requested full disclosure. 

Judge Susan Fay said she would make a disclosure order and she adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on November 24 noting that there may be a change of plea.