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. 19848Assault causing harm · Co. Laois · 30 Oct 2022

Two men sent forward for trial over Portlaoise assault

On 30 October 2022 at Kilminchy, Portlaoise, one person was struck on the head with a pick axe handle and treated in Beaumont Hospital for a fractured skull, and another person suffered a fractured arm. Darren Coss, 34, and Andrew Murphy, 29, are each accused of assault causing harm. Books of evidence were served on the two men, and on 12 September 2023 Judge Andrew Cody sent the case forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court, with the next sittings on October 24.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court12 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • The solicitor described the alleged assault as very serious.
  • One person was treated in Beaumont Hospital for a fractured skull and another person suffered a fractured arm.
Where
The assault took place at Kilminchy, Portlaoise.
When
The assault took place on 30 October 2022.
Weapon
The person treated for a fractured skull was struck on the head with a pick axe handle.
Investigation
Books of evidence were served on the two accused men, with Garda Sergeant Michael Tarpey giving evidence of serving one of them.
Charges
  • Darren Coss, 34, is accused of assault causing harm.
  • Andrew Murphy, 29, is accused of assault causing harm.
In court
  • The DPP directed that the accused be sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 24 and did not consent to a signed plea.
  • Judge Andrew Cody sent the case forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court; one report says legal aid was certified for a solicitor and a barrister, while another says it was consented to for a solicitor and two barristers for each defendant.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe solicitor described the alleged assault as very serious. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatOne person was treated in Beaumont Hospital with a fractured skull after being struck on the head with a pick axe handle. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatAnother person received a fractured arm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe assault took place at Kilminchy, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe assault took place on 30 October 2022. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • weaponThe victim was struck on the head with a pick axe handle. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationBooks of evidence were served on two men accused of assault in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeDarren Coss is accused of assault causing harm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeAndrew Murphy is accused of assault causing harm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed that Darren Coss be sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 24. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Andrew Cody sent the case forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court and certified legal aid for a solicitor and barrister. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Cody sent the case forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court and consented to legal aid for a solicitor and two barristers for each of the defendants. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 12 Sep2023
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Two to be tried over serious Portlaoise assault

    Books of evidence were served on the two accused, and the case was sent forward for trial to Portlaoise Circuit Court, with legal aid certified. The article describes the assault as very serious, with one person suffering a fractured skull and another a fractured arm.

    accused, Darren Coss, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Darren Cossaccused, Andrew Murphy, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Andrew Murphyvictimvictim