Accused of St Patrick’s Day violent disorder at Portlaoise pub

A man appeared in court accused of assault and public order charges at a pub in Portlaoise on St Patrick’s Day.

Christopher Nevin (28) of 5 Green View, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise is accused of violent disorder, assault and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Maggie Mays, Top Square, Portlaoise on March 17, 2023.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the “injured party informed the investigating member that they were threatened by a male while they were collecting glasses” on the date in question.

He said the man was asked to leave but allegedly “shattered a glass on a counter in an attempt to make a weapon” before punching the man in the face.

Sgt Kirby said the defendant was alleged to have threatened to stick a glass in the injured party’s neck, to which the accused said, “I didn’t threaten to do that”.

Judge Andrew Gubbins asked if there were directions and a medical report. He queried some of the charges.

Sgt Kirby said there was no medical report and he said he would “double check” on directions from the DPP. He asked for two weeks to get clarity on the charges.

Judge Gubbins put the case back to Portlaoise District Court on October 5. He granted legal aid to solicitor Philip Meagher.