Teenager admits having metal bar and assaulting man in Portlaoise 

A teenager admitted assaulting a man who required sutures after he was struck on the back of the head in Portlaoise. 

The boy (17), who has a Laois address and cannot be named due to his age, was accompanied to Portlaoise District Court by his father. 

He is accused of assault causing harm and the production of a metal bar at Lyster Square, Portlaoise  on March 29, 2025 and of being intoxicated and affray at Lyster Square, Portlaoise on March 30, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby produced a medical report in court to assist Judge Susan Fay in deciding on jurisdiction. 

“There are no photographs. It is effectively a cut to the back of the head”, he said. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher noted that a CT scan “excluded serious injury” but admitted the injured party required sutures and a tetanus injection. 

On reviewing the report, Judge Fay said she would accept jurisdiction meaning the case will remain in the district court. 

She requested a probation report and asked for a victim impact statement for finalisation. 

Mr Meagher said his client was on bail and was subject to a curfew. 

“It seems that the Gardaí are attending at the family home at all hours in the morning”, he said. 

Mr Meagher said the Garda checks were “waking up the whole house” and he asked if the checks could be less disruptive. 

Sgt Kirby asked Mr Meagher to put his request in writing. He said he would circulate the message to the investigating team.