Dublin’s Freddie Thompson on Trial for Assaulting a Prison Officer
A Dublin man, Freddie Thompson (43), is set to stand trial in Portlaoise Circuit Court on charges of Assaulting a Prison Officer at Portlaoise Prison.
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Thompson, previously representing himself in court, appeared before Portlaoise District Court recently and was served with a book of evidence outlining the three charges against him. These charges stem from alleged incidents within the prison in November and May of 2022.
According to Detective Garda Padraic Ryan, Thompson is accused of assaulting an assistant chief officer (ACO) on November 17th, 2022, and on the same date, making a threat to kill or seriously harm the officer. A second threat to kill the same ACO is also alleged to have occurred on May 18th, 2022.
Punishment on Assaulting a Prison Officer
The charges, if proven, carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for making threats to kill and 5 years for assault. Thompson, currently in custody on another matter, is not seeking bail and remains in custody.
Solicitor John Quinn, now representing Freddie Thompson legal case Ireland, confirmed his client will not be applying for bail and that legal aid has been granted.
Legal proceedings against Freddie Thompson have been adjourned until June 11th, 2024, when Thompson will appear before Portlaoise Circuit Court for trial. Judge Nicola Andrews issued a standard “alibi warning,” requiring Thompson to disclose any alibi witnesses within 14 days if he intends to rely on an alibi defence.
It’s important to note that these are just allegations, and Mr. Thompson has not yet entered a plea. The trial in June will determine the facts of the case and his potential guilt or innocence.
