Elderly woman denies assault at Laois pub

 An elderly woman has denied assault and threatening behaviour at a pub in Laois. 

Annette Brennan, 74, of Graigueaverne House, Graigueaverne, Ballybrittas is accused of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and assaulting a man at the Gandon Inn, Cappakeel, Emo on December 4, 2021. 

She denied the allegations at Portlaoise District Court. 

Ms Brennan applied for legal aid and said she would accept “whoever you appoint” to her case. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby provided her with disclosure in relation to the case. 

“You will have to fill out a statement of means,” Judge Andrew Cody told the woman before putting the matter back to later in the day. 

When the case resumed, Judge Cody approved legal aid and asked which solicitor she would like to represent her.

The defendant said she was previously represented by Ms Fitzpatrick. 

However, Ms Fitzpatrick said that as she felt it wasn’t appropriate as she was handling another matter for the accused. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher agreed to represent the accused. 

Judge Cody adjourned the matter until September 12 and said he wouldn’t be hearing the matter.