Ireland Woman accused of assaulting security staff at Laois Shopping Centre appears in Portlaoise court
On 10 October 2025 a woman was accused of assaulting a female security staff member at Laois Shopping Centre in Portlaoise, causing bruising and tenderness to both knees, and was reported to be abusing alcohol at the time. Gardaí responded to a public order incident, and the woman was detained under the Mental Health Act. Sarah Cloherty, 39, of No Fixed Abode, appeared before Portlaoise District Court on 24 September 2026 accused of assault causing harm, where her solicitor said she was pleading guilty, though a Garda said she replied not guilty when arrested. The judge accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the matter for a probation report and a victim impact statement, and the latest development is an adjournment to 21 December for finalisation.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court24 Sep
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A female security staff member suffered bruising and tenderness to both knees.
- Where
- The assault took place at Laois Shopping Centre in Portlaoise.
- When
- The incident occurred on 10 October 2025.
- Cause
- The woman was reported to be abusing alcohol at the time of the incident.
- Investigation
- Gardaí responded to a public order incident after reports of a female attacking two members of security staff.
- The woman was detained under the Mental Health Act.
- Charges
- Sarah Cloherty, aged 39, of No Fixed Abode, is accused of assault causing harm.
- In court
- Sarah Cloherty first appeared before Portlaoise District Court on 24 September 2026.
- Her solicitor said she was pleading guilty, while a Garda said she replied that she was not guilty when arrested.
- The judge accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the matter for a probation report and a victim impact statement.
- The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 21 December for finalisation.
- Other details
- The woman was in the Dochas Centre until February.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA female security staff member suffered bruising and tenderness to both knees. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe assault took place at Laois Shopping Centre. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 10 October 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- causeThe incident occurred while the woman was abusing alcohol. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationGardaí responded to a public order incident after reports of a female attacking two members of security staff. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationThe woman was detained under the Mental Health Act. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThe woman is accused of assault causing harm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHer solicitor said she was pleading guilty to the offence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the matter for a probation report and a victim impact statement. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 21 December for finalisation. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe accused is Sarah Cloherty, aged 39, of No Fixed Abode. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe woman was in the Dochas Centre until February. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 24 Sep2026Topless woman assaulted Laois Shopping Centre staff
Court report on the first appearance, with a guilty plea indicated, an adjournment to 21 December, and detail on the Garda evidence and the woman's detention under the Mental Health Act. No earlier report of this case is in the existing list.
accused, Sarah Cloherty, 39, female, named, irish (judged from name)Sarah Clohertyvictim, female