Man appears in Laois court for allegedly biting prison officer

A man appeared in court accused of biting a prison officer at the Midlands Prison. 

WIlliam Fitzgerald (36) of no fixed abode, Kilkenny, is charged with assault causing harm at Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, on January 13, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a medical report was available to the court. He said the alleged injured party was a serving member of the Irish Prison Service.

Judge Susan Fay said she would consider jurisdiction, and she asked where on the body the bite was alleged to have been. 

“A bite on the arm,” Garda O’Sullivan replied.  

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said there was an alleged kick “somewhere else” and Judge Fay accepted jurisdiction. 

Mr Fitzgerald said he had been provided with CCTV in relation to the incident. He said his client was a serving prisoner and he asked for legal aid. 

Judge Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on December 1.