Wednesday 28 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. 6536Assault causing harm; threatening to kill · Co. Laois · 17 Nov 2023

Frederick Thompson charged with assault and threats to kill at Portlaoise Prison

Frederick Thompson, a 43-year-old man formerly of South Dublin, is alleged to have assaulted a prison officer causing harm and to have made two threats to kill at Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois, with the assault and one threat dated 17 November 2023 and the other threat dated 18 May 2023. A Portlaoise Garda detective charged him on 15 February 2024, the day he appeared before Judge Andrew Coady at Portlaoise District Court, where he made no reply to the charge sheets and represented himself. The latest development is that the case was adjourned to 28 February for service of the book of evidence.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court15 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Frederick Thompson, 43, is alleged to have committed two threats to kill and an assault causing harm on a prison officer.
Where
The offences were alleged to have taken place at Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois.
When
  • The assault and one threat charge are dated 17 November 2023.
  • The second threat charge is dated 18 May 2023.
Other details
  • Mr Thompson is formerly of South Dublin and has a current address at Midlands Prison in Co Laois.
  • Mr Thompson made no reply to the charge sheets and represented himself in court.
  • The maximum penalty for assault causing harm is five years in prison.
Investigation
A Portlaoise Garda detective told the court he charged Mr Thompson on the morning of the court appearance.
Charges
  • Mr Thompson is charged with one count of threatening to kill and one count of assault causing harm inside Portlaoise Prison.
  • He faces a further charge of threatening to kill at Portlaoise Prison dated 18 May 2023.
In court
  • Mr Thompson appeared at Portlaoise District Court on 15 February 2024 before Judge Andrew Coady.
  • The case was adjourned to 28 February for service of the book of evidence.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatFrederick Thompson, 43, is alleged to have committed two threats to kill and an assault causing harm on a prison officer. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe offences were alleged to have taken place at Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe assault and one threat charge are dated 17 November of last year. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA Portlaoise Garda detective told the court he charged Mr Thompson that morning. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeMr Thompson is charged with one count of threatening to kill and one count of assault causing harm inside Portlaoise Prison. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeHe faces a further charge of threatening to kill at Portlaoise Prison on 18 May of last year. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtMr Thompson appeared at Portlaoise District Court before Judge Andrew Coady. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to 28 February for service of the book of evidence. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMr Thompson made no reply to the charge sheets. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherMr Thompson represented himself in court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe maximum penalty for assault causing harm is five years in prison. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Feb2024
    In courtirishmirror.ie, first report
    Frederick Thompson in court charged with assault and threats to kill in prison

    First report of the case. Adds the second threat charge dated 18 May 2023, the court appearance details, the detective's evidence on charging, and the adjournment to 28 February.

    accused, Frederick Thompson, 43, male, namedFrederick Thompsonvictim