Suffered genital bruising in Laois hospital assault
The incident happened at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
A hospital worker suffered genital bruising after being kneed in the groin in Laois.
Patrick Molloy (33) of Tinnycross, Tullamore, Co Offaly pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise on December 22, 2023.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred while the man was an inpatient in the psychiatric ward of the hospital.
He said the defendant “assaulted a male member of staff by kneeing him in the groin” at about 10pm on the date in question. He said the “injured party had bruising to his genitals” and the defendant has two previous convictions.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said there was a genuine psychiatric element to the incident. He explained that the man was ”in a heightened state of agitation” as he had wanted to use the bathroom and had been told he couldn’t.
He said the man was now using the outpatient service and “appears genuinely contrite” and appears to now be doing well. The man brought a letter of apology to court, he stated.
Judge Nicola Andrews asked about the nature of the two previous convictions.
Sgt Kirby explained that one was for a public order offence and the second was for threatening to damage property.
Judge Andrews adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on October 7 for a victim impact statement and finalisation. She told Mr Fitzgerald that his client needs to continue engaging with the outpatient services.