Frederick Thompson allegedly assaulted Portlaoise Prison officer

A book of evidence has been served on who is accused of assaulting and threatening to kill a prison officer in Portlaoise Prison. 

Frederick Thompson, 43, with an address, care of the Midlands Prison, is alleged to have threatened to kill or cause serious harm to a prison officer at Portlaoise Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise on May 18, 2022. 

He is further charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the same officer and assaulting the officer causing harm at Portlaoise Prison on November 17, 2022. 

The defendant appeared before Judge Nicola Andrews at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court this morning. 

Detective Garda Padraic Ryan of Portlaoise Garda Station gave evidence at the court sitting. 

“In the body of the court I served a book of evidence on the accused,” he told Judge Andrews. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the book of evidence contained three counts, two of threatening to kill or cause serious harm and one count of assault causing harm. He said the DPP had consented to the accused being sent forward to the next sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Court sitting on June 11. 

Sgt Kirby said the DPP consents to the defendant being sent for trial to the circuit court or sent forward on a signed plea for sentencing. 

Judge Nicola Andrews noted the DPP had consented to the defendant being sent forward for trial. She gave the accused the alibi warning before sending him forward to the sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court sitting on June 11 at 10am.

A solicitor for the accused, Mr Quinn, said there was no application for bail in the case. He requested legal aid for a solicitor and for a barrister to be assigned to the case. 

Judge Andrews granted legal aid and assigned Mr Quinn and one counsel to the case.