Ireland Two men sent forward to circuit court over Portlaoise axe and knife dispute
On December 4, 2025, an axe and a knife were allegedly produced during a dispute at Heather Lane, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Ashton Hurley O'Shea (19) is accused of producing an axe, and Lorcan O'Brien is accused of producing a large kitchen knife and of assault causing harm. Books of evidence were served on both men at Portlaoise District Court, where the DPP consented to the case being sent forward and the judge issued an alibi warning and granted legal aid for one solicitor and one counsel. Both men were sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning June 23, as reported on June 14, 2026.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court14 Jun
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Two men were served with books of evidence over an alleged incident involving an axe and a knife.
- Where
- The alleged incident took place at Heather Lane, Portlaoise.
- When
- The alleged incident took place on December 4, 2025.
- Weapon
- Ashton Hurley O'Shea is accused of producing an axe.
- Lorcan O'Brien is accused of producing a large kitchen knife.
- Charges
- O'Shea's book of evidence contained one count of production of an article during a dispute.
- O'Brien's book of evidence contained one count of assault causing harm and one count of production of an article during a dispute.
- Investigation
- Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on the accused at Portlaoise District Court.
- In court
- Books of evidence were served at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
- The DPP consented to the case being sent forward to the circuit court.
- The judge issued an alibi warning and granted legal aid for one solicitor and one counsel.
- Both men were sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning June 23.
- Other details
- The court report was published by leinsterexpress.ie on June 14, 2026.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatTwo men were served with books of evidence over an alleged incident involving an axe and a knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe alleged incident happened at Heather Lane, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe alleged incident happened on December 4, 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- weaponAshton Hurley O’Shea is accused of producing an axe. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- weaponLorcan O’Brien is accused of producing a large kitchen knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeAshton Hurley O’Shea's book of evidence contained one count of production of an article during a dispute. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeLorcan O’Brien's book of evidence contained one count of assault causing harm and one count of production of an article during a dispute. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtBooks of evidence were served at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe DPP consented to the case being sent forward to the circuit court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge issued an alibi warning and granted legal aid for one solicitor and one counsel. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe accused was sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on June 23. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 14 Jun2026Axe and knife allegedly produced in dispute in Portlaoise
Reports that books of evidence were served on Ashton Hurley O’Shea and Lorcan O’Brien at Portlaoise District Court, and that both were sent forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court. Adds the charges, the weapons alleged, and the court's bail and legal aid decisions.
accused, Ashton Hurley O'Shea, 19, named, irish (judged from name)Ashton Hurley O'Sheaaccused, Lorcan O'Brien, 22, named, irish (judged from name)Lorcan O'Brien