Teenager who allegedly produced axe in Portlaoise told Gardaí man had tried to stab his mother

A teenager told Gardaí he produced an axe because an attempt had been made to stab his mother in Portlaoise.

Ashton O’Shea (19) of 58 Hillview Drive, Knockmay, Portlaoise is accused of producing an axe at Heather Lane, Portlaoise, on December 4, 2025. He is further accused of assault at Laois Shopping Centre on November 30, 2025. 

Detective Sergeant Martin O’Connell gave evidence of arrest and charge. He said when the accused was charged with producing an axe he replied: “I only done that because he tried to stab my mother.” 

Det O’Connell said the DPP had directed that, subject to the judge’s approval, the case be heard in the district court only if there was a plea of guilty. 

He said it was alleged that “the accused produced an axe during the course of a dispute” at Esker Hills at 7.10pm on the date in question. “There had been an earlier assault on his mother,” he added.

In considering jurisdiction, Judge Susan Fay asked if the incident had been captured on CCTV. 

“Yes, the whole incident was caught on CCTV,” said Det O’Connell.  

Judge Fay asked that the footage be shown in court and she put the case back until the CCTV was ready. 

When the case was called again a short CCTV clip was played in the courtroom. 

The video showed an initial interaction between a man and woman and then another man can be seen brandishing an axe. One of the men can be heard saying ‘I dare ya, go on”.   

Det O’Sullivan said it was the State’s case that the accused was the man with the axe. 

He told the court that an alleged stabbing incident was captured early in the video. 

“That has nothing to do with us. We are neither the gentleman or the victim,” Solicitor Josphine Fitzpatrick said.

On viewing the CCTV, Judge Fay said “I am not satisfied to accept jurisdiction”. 

Ms Fitzpatrick asked Judge Fay to reconsider. She said her client was a young man and she claimed there was a level of provocation. She described the matter as “borderline” and said no injury had been inflicted. 

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Judge Fay said she wasn’t accepting jurisdiction. She asked Det O’Connell if he wished to impose any conditions of bail. Det O’Connell asked that the defendant have no contact directly or indirectly with a named individual. 

Judge Fay imposed the bail condition and remanded the defendant on bail to appear before Portlaoise District Court on June 8 for service of the book of evidence.