Prisoner before court in Offaly accused of assaulting fellow inmate

A PRISONER used an improvised weapon known as a 'shiv' in an attack on another inmate in Portlaoise Prison, Tullamore District Court heard.

Joshua Connolly, whose 31st birthday is on March 16, and with an address at Lakeside Crescent, Newbridge, Co Kildare, had previousliy pleaded guilty to producing a man-made instrument contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act and to assaulting Patrick Farrell with intent to cause bodily harm.

Sergeant Richard Thornton said the offence was committed at 2.30pm on December 7, 2023 in Portlaoise Prison and the victim was a serving prisoner.

The victim suffered superficial wounds to his ear, face, arm, upper jaw and upper back and Mr Connolly had 46 previous convictions.

He had previously been convicted of arson, assault causing harm, criminal damage, breaches of the Public Order Act, drug possession, possession of knives, burglary and handling stolen property.

READ NEXT: Speeding prosecutions on hold

David Nugent, BL, appearing for Mr Connolly, said his client apologised to the victim and “things had calmed down” since.

The accused, whose release date is August 29 next, had been disciplined in prison for the offence.

“He has been inside for quite some time,” said Mr Nugent.

Defence counsel added that apart from the offence before the court Mr Connolly had been doing quite well in prison and hoped to be proactive when released and was considering apprenticeships.

Sergeant Thornton told Judge Andrew Cody the man had been in prison since April 24, 2024 for obstructing a garda, criminal damage and producing an article.

Judge Cody said having a 'shiv' is a serious offence and though the victim suffered minor puncture wounds it could have been worse.

He sentenced Mr Connolly to three months in prison, that term to begin on the expiry of his current sentence. He took possession of the instrument into consideration.