Man accused of assault in Laois Shopping Centre

A man appeared in court accused of assault causing harm at Laois Shopping Centre. 

Jake Kelly(19) of 37 Goldencroft, Station Road, Portlaoise is accused of engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour and assault causing harm to a man at Laois Shopping Centre on June 16, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby produced a medical report and photographs relating to the alleged shopping centre assault so the judge could consider jurisdiction.

He said gardaí had received a call in relation to an assault at the shopping centre at 7pm on the date in question. Gardaí discovered a male lying on the floor with blood on the back of his head and side of his mouth. 

“Garda Hough reviewed CCTV and identified Mr Kelly,” he explained. He said the male was taken to hospital. 

“This allegedly happened inside the shopping centre?” asked Judge Fay. 

Sgt Kirby confirmed the incident had taken place near Tesco. “He had a number of sutures to the head, according to the report,” he added. 

Judge Susan Fay described it as a very serious incident as she considered whether the case could be heard in the district court or should go to the higher circuit court. “I am not prepared to accept jurisdiction,” she said.

She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on January 12 for service of the book of evidence.