Man in possession of a knife has address at firebombed house in Edenderry
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who is residing in the house where a 60-year-old woman and a four-year-old child were killed in a firebomb attack appeared at Portlaoise District Court on Thursday 19 February.
Christopher Holt (47), 29 Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co Offaly was before the court charged with the possession of a knife at St Patrick’s Road, Edenderry on 26 April last year.
When the case was called, Judge Andrew Cody commented: “I left him in custody to sober up.” Mr Holt had appeared at Tullamore District Court the previous day. The case could not proceed due to the defendant’s state of intoxication.
“He was in possession of a knife and he pleaded guilty. He said he believed that people were hiding in trees and had the flick knife for his protection,” said Judge Cody.
Defending barrister David Nugent said his client has issues with alcohol and hasn’t received proper treatment and that his addiction precedes any issues over the past year.
Judge Cody convicted Mr Holt of the offence and imposed a six months’ sentence, suspended for two years.
Garda sgt JJ Kirby said that the defendant had 12 previous convictions.
He said that at Tullamore court on 17 April 2024, a one-month custodial sentence had been imposed on Mr Holt, which was suspended for two years, for the possession of a knife.
On 23 October 2024 and at the same court, a three-month sentence had been imposed on Mr Holt that was suspended for three years for another offence.
Sgt Kirby said the most recent conviction will now trigger the activation of the two suspended sentences and asked that he be returned to Tullamore court for those to be dealt with.
Judge Cody remanded Mr Holt on his own bail of €100 to the 4 March sitting of Tullamore District Court.
