Trial Date Set For Freddie Thompson For Assault And Kill Threats In Portlaoise Prison

Wednesday, 15 April 2026 14:35

Mr Thompson is set to go on trial in November.

Dubliner Freddie Thompson will go on trial in November, accused of assault and threats to kill in the State's maximum security prison.

The 44-year-old, who appeared at Mullingar Circuit Court via video-link on Wednesday, is charged with assault causing harm and two counts of making threats to kill in Portlaoise Prison on separate dates in 2022. He denies the allegations.

Cathal Ó Braonáin BL, appearing for the prosecution, stated that the matter had been adjourned for inquiries into disclosure and that no further disclosure issues had arisen. He said it was simply a matter of fixing a trial date.

"I understand November 19 is available in Tullamore Circuit Court, and I would ask that you make the witness and exhibits order," Mr Ó Braonáin said.

The defence agreed.

Judge Keenan Johnson adjourned the case for trial on the date sought and granted the witness and exhibits order, along with a production order for the accused to be brought to court.

Thompson, dressed in a blue sweater, did not address the court other than to nod and acknowledge that he understood the proceedings.

Earlier, his lawyers made an application for the disclosure of several documents in advance of his upcoming trial. It included a report on complaints to the Governor of Portlaoise Prison.

Judge Johnson noted that Thompson contests the charges and maintains there was a conspiracy against him by some prison officers.

Judge Johnson said the prison service refused to disclose the information for security and operational reasons.

He held that disclosure of those documents was not justified on various grounds, including that it could put other parties at risk and that it was not relevant to the defence.

The trial is taking place in Tullamore after Thompson failed in a bid to have it moved to the more secure Criminal Courts of Justice building in Dublin.

It was originally to take place in Portlaoise, but Thompson claimed that his life was under threat.

Thompson had raised serious concerns for his personal safety as he was brought from a prison van through a public area to the court in Portlaoise.