Man allegedly bit female prison officer at Laois prison

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

John Connors (42) of 24 Drumgoold Villas, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of assault causing harm at the Midlands Prison on June 27, 2023. 

Garda Aidan Mulvihill said he charged the defendant who made no reply. He said the man is in custody in Cloverhill Prison. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that the case could proceed in the district court subject to the judge’s approval. 

Garda Mulvihill said the incident occurred in prison when the officer intervened to stop a fight between two prisoners. He said it would be “alleged that the suspect bit the prison officer” as she intervened. The woman went to hospital for her injuries. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick asked if the judge was willing to accept jurisdiction. 

“At this point I am not,” replied Judge Susan Fay. “There was a puncture to the skin,” she noted. 

Judge Fay said the woman was bitten on the right hand and left arm during the incident. She refused jurisdiction and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on January 19 for service of a book of evidence.