Saturday 31 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. 19812Assault causing harm · Co. Laois · 14 Jul 2023

Man accused of assaults in Laois including screwdriver stabbing

On 14 July 2023, a man was allegedly stabbed five times with a screwdriver at Irishtown, Mountmellick, Laois. John Nevin, 22, with an address in Mountmellick, is accused of assault causing harm, and he is further charged with assault causing harm at Portlaoise Leisure Centre on 17 June 2023 and with threatening or abusive behaviour at Laois Shopping Centre on 26 October 2022. At Portlaoise District Court on 15 September 2023, Judge Cody refused jurisdiction over both assault allegations, granted legal aid and adjourned the threatening behaviour charge to Portlaoise District Court on 2 November 2023.

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

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A man was allegedly stabbed five times with a screwdriver.
  • Gardaí observed puncture wounds on the man's head and elsewhere on his body.
  • It is alleged that a man was punched on the right ear on 17 June 2023, causing a laceration.
Where
  • The alleged stabbing took place at Irishtown, Mountmellick, Laois.
  • The alleged assault on 17 June 2023 took place at Portlaoise Leisure Centre.
When
The alleged stabbing took place on 14 July 2023.
Weapon
A screwdriver was allegedly used in the stabbing.
Charges
  • John Nevin is accused of assault causing harm in connection with the alleged stabbing.
  • John Nevin is further charged with assault causing harm at Portlaoise Leisure Centre on 17 June 2023.
  • John Nevin is also charged with engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Laois Shopping Centre on 26 October 2022.
Investigation
Gardaí did not yet have directions from the DPP on the alleged assaults, according to Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby at court.
In court
  • At Portlaoise District Court on 15 September 2023, Judge Cody said he would refuse jurisdiction over both assault allegations.
  • Judge Cody granted legal aid and adjourned the threatening behaviour charge to Portlaoise District Court on 2 November 2023.
Other details
  • The victim made a statement to gardaí after the incident.
  • The defence solicitor said the victim's statement had been withdrawn, and a judge described the wounds as quite shocking.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe victim was allegedly stabbed five times with a screwdriver. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatGardaí observed puncture wounds on the man's head and elsewhere on his body. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatIt is alleged he punched a man on the right ear on 17 June 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe alleged assault causing harm took place at Irishtown, Mountmellick. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged assault causing harm took place on 14 July 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí did not yet have directions from the DPP on the alleged assaults. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe is further charged with assault causing harm at Portlaoise Leisure Centre on 17 June. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe is also charged with engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Laois Shopping Centre on 26 October of the previous year. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Cody said he would refuse jurisdiction over both assault allegations. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Cody granted legal aid and adjourned the threatening behaviour charge to Portlaoise District Court on 2 November. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe victim had made a statement to gardaí after the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence solicitor said the victim's statement had been withdrawn. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Sep2023
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man allegedly stabbed in head with screwdriver in Laois

    Court report from Portlaoise District Court, 15 September 2023. It covers the alleged July 14 stabbing with a screwdriver at Irishtown, Mountmellick, and two further charges: an assault at Portlaoise Leisure Centre on 17 June and threatening behaviour at Laois Shopping Centre. The judge refused jurisdiction over both assault allegations, and the threatening behaviour charge was adjourned to 2 November.

    accused, John Nevin, 22, named, irish (judged from name)John Nevinvictim, male