Portlaoise Courthouse

A Laois couple appeared at the family law court in Portlaoise last Thursday charged with child cruelty.

The 34-year-old man and 36-year-old woman were charged with three offences of child cruelty at their home on dates in July 2021.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the case goes forward to Portlaoise Circuit Court and that there were no garda objections to bail being granted to the two defendants.

Judge John Brennan remanded both defendants on continuing bail until 9 March for a book of evidence be served.

Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that his clients were in a relationship with one another and were seeking free legal aid.

Consenting to the request, Judge Brennan went on to impose reporting restrictions in the case.