Man accused of Laois robbery requests padded cell

A man appeared in court accused of a robbery at a pizzeria in Portlaoise. 

Jamie Kearns (21) of 22 Cosby Avenue, Portlaoise appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link. He is accused of the robbery of a tip jar at Chequers Pizza on May 11 last. 

The defendant is also accused of stealing a chicken fillet roll and a swiss roll valued at €11.85 from Circle K, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on May 1, 2025 and arson of a staircase at his address on May 2, 2025. The defendant is further charged with possession of a knife at Cosby Avenue, Portlaoise and being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour on April 29 last. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher expressed “significant concern” about the defendant’s health and mental wellbeing. The defendant said he wanted to be transferred out of Cloverhill Prison and wished to be moved to the Midlands Prison. 

Mr Meagher said he would have to contact the governor’s office. “He is a very agitated young man at the moment,” Mr Meagher said. 

He said the defendant had been “involved in a very serious accident a number of years ago involving a fatality” and he believes the man was unable to deal with the consequences of the incident. 

Judge Susan Fay said she was very concerned about the situation. She recalled “somebody went and got him a prescription” when he last appeared and she had sought a medical report.

“My toe is purple here. I need a doctor,” the defendant said. He said he had informed the governor that he wanted a meeting. 

The defendant said he was getting bullied in his cell and he wanted to be placed in isolation. 

“I would like a padded cell until tomorrow,” he said. 

Judge Susan Fay remanded the defendant in custody to appear before Portlaoise District Court the following day when she said she wanted to see a medical report.