Friday 30 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. 16796Drugs possession in prison · Co. Laois · 7 Jun 2024

Woman accused of bringing drugs into Portlaoise Prison

Kelly O'Brien, 37, of Mayfield, Cork, is accused of having benzodiazepine and heroin at Portlaoise Prison, Laois, on June 7, 2024. She appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked for time to get directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Nicola Andrews adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on October 7 for DPP directions, which is the latest reported development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court28 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Kelly O'Brien, aged 37, is accused of bringing drugs into Portlaoise Prison.
Where
The alleged offence took place at Portlaoise Prison in County Laois.
When
The alleged offence took place on June 7, 2024.
Charges
O'Brien is accused of having benzodiazepine and heroin at Portlaoise Prison.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked for time to get directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In court
  • O'Brien appeared before Portlaoise District Court.
  • Judge Nicola Andrews adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on October 7 for DPP directions.
Other details
  • The accused is listed as living at 27 Glencree Crescent, Mayfield, Cork.
  • The article is dated 1 July 2024 in its text, while the record gives its publication date as 28 June 2024.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe accused is alleged to have had drugs at Portlaoise Prison. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offence took place on June 7, 2024. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGarda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked for time to get directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe woman is accused of bringing drugs into Portlaoise Prison. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe drugs alleged are benzodiazepine and heroin. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe woman appeared before Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Nicola Andrews adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on October 7 for DPP directions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused is listed as living at 27 Glencree Crescent, Mayfield, Cork. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Jun2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Woman accused of bringing drugs into Portlaoise Prison

    First report of the case. Adds the court appearance at Portlaoise District Court, the Garda request for DPP directions, and the adjournment to October 7.

    accused, Kelly O'Brien, 37, female, named, irish (judged from name)Kelly O'Brien