Laois man to go on trial for 'stalking'

A man has been sent forward for trial to Portlaoise Circuit Court accused of stalking a woman in Laois. 

Patrick Horan(41) of Graigue, Mountmellick is accused of putting a woman in fear at Eyne Mountmellick on April 26, 2024.

Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on the accused at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

“At 10.20 in the body of the court I served a book of evidence on Patrick Horan,” she told Judge Nicola Andrews. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that the case be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court sitting in October.  He said the defendant faces “one count of stalking” in the book of evidence.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was on High Court bail subject to conditions in relation to the charge. He asked for legal aid to include two counsel “given the unusual nature of the charge” before the court. 

Judge Nicola Andrews granted legal aid for two counsel in the case. She remanded the defendant on bail and sent the case forward for trial to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court sitting on October 29.