Teenager found with knife and drugs in Portlaoise
He appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A teenager admitted carrying a knife and drugs in Portlaoise.
Ashton O’Shea (19) of 58 Hillview Drive, Knockmay, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and drugs for personal use at Knockmay on January 24, 2026. He also admitted possessing drugs for personal use at Esker Hills on November 24, 2025.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the teenager had a small knife on him when stopped and searched on January 24, 2026 at 5.10pm. He said a quantity of drugs were also discovered. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was a young man and “sometimes when he is out locally he does feel he is in danger”. She said he uses the knife for cutting carpet.
She said her client, who was accompanied to court by his mother, was considering undertaking a trade.
Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 23. She granted legal aid to Ms Fitzpatrick.