Allegedly bit prison officer in Laois

A solicitor questioned the fitness to plea of a man who is accused of biting a prison officer. 

John Connors (43) of 24 Drumgoold Villas, Enniscorthy, Wexford, is accused of assault causing harm at the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise on June 27, 2023. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said “I think this gentleman needs a fitness to plea assessment” when he appeared before Portlaoise District Court. She said the State should have a book of evidence in court. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that due to the “exigencies of the service” there was no book ready. He asked that the case be marked peremptory against the State if another month was given to prepare the book. 

“The book should be ready but this is the second busiest court outside of Dublin”, said Sgt Kirby. 

Judge Catherine Ryan asked to hear the nature of the allegation. 

Sgt Kirby said the incident involved a female prison officer and it would be alleged that the defendant "allegedly bit her on the right hand and left wrist leaving bite marks”. The officer attended hospital after the incident. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said she noted what Sgt Kirby was saying but she said a “general there are delays within the system” was not a sufficient excuse for having no book of evidence ready. 

Sgt Kirby told Judge Ryan that Judge Susan Fay had heard the facts and refused jurisdiction. 

Judge Ryan said that on hearing the facts she believed an additional month should be given peremptory against the State in the interest of justice. 

At the request of Ms Fitzpatrick, Judge Ryan requested a fitness to plead report and a psychiatric evaluation for the defendant who appeared to be speaking to himself during the court sitting.

The case was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on April 13.