Laois man threatened to stab security guard in neck
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN accused of threatening to stab a member of security staff in the neck at Laois Shopping Centre was remanded on continuing bail when he appeared before Portlaoise District Court last week.
The allegation was outlined by Garda Sgt Kirby during a brief hearing. The defendant, Philip McInerney (19), The Bungalow, Kiln Lane, Mountrath, faced charges of threatening to kill or to cause serious injuries and to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at the shopping centre on James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise on 18 May.
Sgt Kirby said the incident arose out of alleged ongoing anti-social activity in the shopping centre.
He said that at 6.50pm that evening, Mr McInerney allegedly told the security staff member “don’t be standing behind my van or I will stab you in the neck.” He said the alleged interaction was recoded both visually and audibly on the security member’s body camera.
Defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said she was seeking a further date to allow her client time to consider which way he will plead to the offences – guilty or not guilty.
Accepting jurisdiction in the case, Judge Andrew Gubbins remanded Mr McInerney on continuing bail to the 14 December sitting of the court and assigned free legal aid to Ms Fitzpatrick.
