Woman had knife for defence in Portlaoise
The woman appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A woman has pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and drugs in Portlaoise.
Karen Barry (34) of 1 Harp Road, Rathdowney appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of having a knife and drugs on Main Street in Portlaoise on March 11, 2026.
She appeared before Portlaoise District Court where Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said she had been stopped and found in possession of drugs valued at €10 and a black kitchen knife. He said she had a prior conviction for robbery dating back to 2007.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty. He said the woman had a prior conviction which was a “matter of some vintage”.
He said his client had a relapse at the time she was searched and she had the knife “as a form of protection”. He said she was trying to get her life back together. Mr Fitzgerald said his client would benefit from the assistance of the probation services.
Judge Susan Fay referred the woman to the Alternative Project and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on November 2 for finalisation.