Sunday 1 November 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. 21496Assault causing harm · Co. Laois · 22 Nov 2021

Man accused of assaulting prisoner in Midlands Prison

On 22 November 2021, Patrick O'Dea, 56, was allegedly involved in an assault causing harm on another prisoner at Midlands Prison, Laois. The case was reported on 16 April 2023, when a garda sergeant gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on him. The DPP directed that he be sent forward for trial, and Judge Andrew Cody sent him forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning 13 June, with legal aid granted to a solicitor and one barrister.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court14 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Patrick O'Dea, 56, is accused of assault causing harm to another prisoner.
Where
  • The alleged assault took place at Midlands Prison in Laois.
  • The accused is listed as having an address at Midlands Prison.
When
  • The alleged assault took place on 22 November 2021.
  • The case was reported on 16 April 2023.
Charges
The accused is charged with assault causing harm.
In court
  • Garda Sergeant Michael Tarpey gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the accused.
  • Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP directed that the accused be sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning 13 June.
  • Judge Andrew Cody sent the accused forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court.
Other details
Legal aid was granted to Solicitor Philip Meagher and one barrister.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe accused is accused of assault causing harm to another prisoner. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe alleged assault took place at Midlands Prison. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged assault took place on 22 November 2021. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused is charged with assault causing harm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtA garda sergeant gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the accused. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed that the accused be sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on June 13. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge sent the defendant forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtLegal aid was granted to a solicitor and one barrister. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 14 Apr2023
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man accused of assault in Midlands Prison

    Adds the accused's name and age, the date of the alleged assault, and that he was sent forward for trial to the Portlaoise Circuit Court sittings beginning 13 June.

    accused, Patrick O'Dea, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick O'Deavictim