Teenager pulled out knife after argument in Portlaoise

A judge wanted to know ‘what was going on’ with a teenager who pulled out a knife and slashed car tyres following an argument with his brother.

Athai Tshula (18) of 84 Woodgrove, Portlaoise admitted possessing a knife and causing criminal damage at Woodgrove on July 28 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at 1.30pm when an argument broke out at the family home and the man allegedly waved “a large kitchen knife” at his brother before slashing two tyres on his brother's car.

When Gardaí arrived “he placed the knife down and remained next to it” before making full admissions. Sgt Kirby said the accused was taken to Abbeyleix Garda Station and the cost of the damage was €200. He said the teenager had no previous convictions whatsoever.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client got a knife “in a fit of anger” after rowing with his brother.

“The defendant’s mother, she has said that she will use his child benefit to pay back his brother,” he said. He explained that they were staying at different addresses.

Mr Fitzgerald said his client was hoping to do a PLC course in automotive. He said it “seems to be that he lost the head completely” on the date in question, he said.

He acknowledged how serious and dangerous it was to brandish a knife but he said it seemed to be an aberration.

Judge Andrew Gubbins said while it appeared an aberration, “it seems going from no previous to a conviction of this nature, it is pretty extreme. It is almost nought to one hundred”. He expressed concern that the teenager was “brandishing a knife in close quarters”.

He said he wanted to know what led the teenager to pick up a knife in such circumstances.

“I am more interested in finding out what is going on with your client,” he remarked.

He ordered a probation report, granted legal aid and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on October 12.