Man due to be sentenced for assaulting prison officers in Laois

An inmate has admitted assaulting two prison officers at Portlaoise Prison.

Brendan Cummins (31) of Lios Dubh, Armagh Road, Dundalk, Co Louth, was accused of wilfully obstructing a peace officer and two counts of assault causing harm at Portlaoise Prison on February 16, 2026.

Anne Doyle BL asked Judge Andrew Gubbins to mark a guilty plea and she requested a week to consult with her client.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he had a victim impact statement in the case. He noted the case was to remain in the district court only if there was a guilty plea, otherwise it would have gone to a higher court.

Judge Gubbins agreed to adjourn the matter for a week and Ms Doyle asked her client, who appeared via video link, if he wanted to be brought to court.

“Video link will do,” he replied.

Judge Gubbins ordered a governor's report and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on November 9 for sentencing.