Man called to door in Laois with knife in waistband 

A “producer and creator” admitted to having a knife in his waistband in Portarlington. 

Bernard Dowling (51) of 69 Corrig Glen, Station Road, Portarlington appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of possessing a knife and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Station Road on August 2, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said gardaí were called to the man’s address at 2.30pm on the date in question. He said gardaí were told “there was a row kicking off” at the location. He said the accused was “threatening people with hand gestures” and when he was arrested it was discovered the man “had a kitchen knife in his waistband”, said Sgt  Kirby.  The man, who had 19 previous convictions, handed over the knife when arrested, said Sgt Kirby. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty. She described her client as a “producer and creator” who lived at the location where gardaí had attended. She said the man had “great difficulty because of noise and other interference” from a neighbour. 

“He did knock on the door asking them to stop the interference,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

She said the injured party remained  indoors  during the incident. She told the court that there wouldn’t have been many people around at the time and that her client felt he needed the knife for his own protection. She said he had no previous convictions for possessing a knife. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the man had been living in the property for a number of months and “his frustrations spilled over” on the date in question. She said he was apologetic. 

Judge Susan Fay suggested the use of restorative justice in the case. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said “I think this might be an ongoing issue between the parties.” 

Judge Fay referred the matter for restorative justice and a probation report and remanded the defendant on bail to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on May 12, 2026.