Ireland Prisoner jailed for three months over shiv attack on inmate in Portlaoise Prison
Joshua Connolly, a prisoner, used an improvised weapon known as a shiv in an attack on a fellow inmate, Patrick Farrell, at Portlaoise Prison, Co Laois, at 2.30pm on December 7, 2023. Connolly 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. The case was heard at Tullamore District Court before Judge Andrew Cody. Connolly was sentenced to three months in prison, to begin when the current sentence expires, as reported on March 24, 2026.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced24 Mar
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A prisoner used an improvised weapon known as a shiv in an attack on another inmate.
- Where
- The attack happened in Portlaoise Prison, Co Laois.
- When
- The offence was committed at 2.30pm on December 7, 2023.
- Weapon
- The weapon was an improvised shiv.
- Investigation
- Sergeant Richard Thornton gave evidence on the offence at Tullamore District Court.
- Charges
- Joshua Connolly pleaded guilty to producing a man-made instrument contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.
- Joshua Connolly pleaded guilty to assaulting Patrick Farrell with intent to cause bodily harm.
- In court
- The case was heard at Tullamore District Court before Judge Andrew Cody.
- Other details
- The victim, Patrick Farrell, suffered superficial wounds to his ear, face, arm, upper jaw and upper back.
- Joshua Connolly, whose 31st birthday is on March 16, has an address at Lakeside Crescent, Newbridge, Co Kildare.
- Joshua Connolly had 46 previous convictions.
- Joshua Connolly had been in prison since April 24, 2024, for obstructing a garda, criminal damage and producing an article.
- Sentence
- Joshua Connolly was sentenced to three months in prison, to begin when the current sentence expires.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA prisoner used an improvised weapon known as a shiv in an attack on another inmate. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whereThe attack happened in Portlaoise Prison. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whenThe offence was committed at 2.30pm on December 7, 2023. (offalyexpress.ie)
- weaponThe weapon was an improvised shiv. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeConnolly had previously pleaded guilty to producing a man-made instrument contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeConnolly had pleaded guilty to assaulting Patrick Farrell with intent to cause bodily harm. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe case was heard at Tullamore District Court before Judge Andrew Cody. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceConnolly was sentenced to three months in prison, to begin when his current sentence expires. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherThe victim suffered superficial wounds to his ear, face, arm, upper jaw and upper back. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherConnolly had 46 previous convictions. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherConnolly had been in prison since April 24, 2024 for obstructing a garda, criminal damage and producing an article. (offalyexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 24 Mar2026Prisoner before court in Offaly accused of assaulting fellow inmate
Court report on sentencing at Tullamore District Court. Adds the guilty pleas, the victim's injuries, the defendant's previous convictions, the judge's comments and the sentence. No earlier case in the list covers this incident.
convicted, Joshua Connolly, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joshua Connollyvictim, Patrick Farrell, male, irish (judged from name)Patrick Farrell