Man threatened to cut woman’s head off and burn house in Laois

A man admitted threatening to cut off his former partner’s head and burn down her house. 

The man (22), who has a Laois address and cannot be named due to the nature of the proceedings, was accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm and threatening to damage property at a location in Laois on June 18, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a woman “fled her house after her then boyfriend did threaten to cut her head off and burn down her house” on the date in question. 

Sgt Kirby said the man “made full admissions but denied that he had any intention to carry out the threats.”  He told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the injured party stated that he didn’t physically hurt or assault her. 

Andrew Dunne BL said his client was pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity and was “very much aware that this is a very serious offence” before the courts. He said the man was very remorseful and never intended to carry out the threats. 

Mr Dunne said his client isn’t working and was somebody who finds life quite stressful. He said the man was in a relationship with a woman who was older than him and he described their relationship as “quite volatile” for a long time. “He got very angry on the day in question,” said Mr Dunne. 

 Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report, restorative justice, a community service suitability report and asked for a victim impact statement. She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on April 20.