Trial moved from Portlaoise Courthouse over security fears

A convicted murderer who has been linked to the Kinahan Hutch criminal feud has opted to  move an upcoming trial from Portlaoise Courthouse over security concerns. 

Frederick Thompson(44) who appeared at Portlaoise Circuit Court from the Midlands Prison via video link, told a previous hearing that he believes he could be “shot dead” if he is tried at Portlaoise Circuit Court. 

The high profile prisoner, who is serving a life sentence for murder, had claimed his life could be in danger because members of the media were able to approach him as he left the prison van at the courthouse. He also complained about the lack of modern security facilities at the courthouse. 

He is facing trial over allegations that he 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. 

Thompson appeared by video link at Portlaoise Circuit Court on Thursday morning where he accepted the option to have the trial move to a modern courthouse in Tullamore, Co Offaly or to go ahead in Portlaoise. 

William Fennelly BL said the defendant had moved an application to have the trial moved to Dublin in January. He said the application to move the matter to Dublin had been declined but Tullamore Courthouse had been suggested as an alternative and the case was listed for mention to allow the defendant to decide.

Daniel O’Connell BL said a move to Tullamore Courthouse was “acceptable in principle” to his client.

Judge Keenan Johnson asked Mr Fennelly how long he expected the trial to last. 

Mr Fennelly said he was “always slow to make a prediction” in relation to timeframes for trials. He explained that the case related to an incident in the prison. “It could certainly run for four or five days,” he said. 

Judge Johnson said he could list the case for Tullamore Circuit Court on July 1. He asked that disclosure be made available by May 20. 

Thompson, who was wearing a grey tracksuit top and drinking from a water bottle, thanked the judge. 

“I would like to be brought to Tullamore Court,” he said. 

Judge Johnson made a production order to have the accused appear in court as opposed to appearing via video link.