Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 11172Assault causing harm · Co. Laois · 14 Mar 2025

Assault charge against Offaly man struck out at Portlaoise court

James Mulligan (30), of Clonbullogue, Co Offaly, was accused of assault causing harm to a woman at an apartment above Rhythm N Booze on Spa Street, Portarlington, Co Laois, on March 14, 2025. The matter had been listed for DPP directions, but Gardaí said directions were not available and that the State would look for another six weeks, citing a counter allegation. The solicitor applied for the charge to be struck out, and Judge Susan Fay struck it out at Portlaoise District Court, saying it could be re-entered. Reports of the ruling were published on 2 and 3 February 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court29 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
James Mulligan was accused of assault causing harm to a woman.
Where
The alleged assault took place at an apartment above Rhythm N Booze, Spa Street, Portarlington, Co Laois.
When
The alleged assault took place on March 14, 2025.
Other details
  • James Mulligan is 30 years old and of Rathangan Road, Clonbullogue, Co Offaly.
  • The solicitor, Michael Byrne, said his client was a victim in the alleged incident.
  • The Leinster Express reported the ruling on 2 February 2026 and the Offaly Express on 3 February 2026.
Cause
Gardaí said the matter was complex because there was a counter allegation.
Investigation
  • The matter had been listed for DPP directions.
  • Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said directions were not available and the State would look for another six weeks.
Charges
The solicitor applied for the charge to be struck out.
In court
  • The allegation was struck out at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
  • Judge Susan Fay said the charge could be re-entered.
18 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJames Mulligan was accused of assault causing harm to a woman. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe alleged assault happened at the apartment above Rhythm N Booze on Spa Street, Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe alleged assault took place at an apartment above Rhythm N Booze on Spa Street, Portarlington. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged assault happened on March 14, 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged assault was on March 14, 2025. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeThe matter was complicated by a counter allegation. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe matter had been listed for DPP directions. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said directions were not available and the State would be looking for another six weeks. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said directions were not available and the State would look for another six weeks. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeJames Mulligan had been accused of assault causing harm to a woman. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe allegation was struck out at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe solicitor applied for the charge to be struck out. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge struck out the charge but noted it could be reentered. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge said the charge could be re-entered. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí said the matter was complex because there was a counter allegation. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe solicitor said his client was a victim in the alleged incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the accused is a victim in the alleged incident. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence applied for the allegation to be struck out. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 3 Feb2026
    Otheroffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Judge strikes out assault allegation against Offaly man

    The article is datelined Offaly, but the incident location, Portarlington, is in Co Laois. The case was struck out at Portlaoise District Court and could be re-entered. Prosecutors had sought DPP directions and said there was a counter allegation.

    accused, James Mulligan, 30, named, irish (judged from name)James Mulliganvictim, female
  2. 29 Jan2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Judge strikes out Portarlington assault allegation

    The charge was struck out at Portlaoise District Court after the DPP directions were not ready, and the judge said it could be reentered. A counter allegation complicated the matter.

    accused, James Mulligan, 30, named, irish (judged from name)James Mulliganvictim, female