FREDDIE MEAL

Freddie Thompson shouts ‘sponsored by Supermacs’ as he’s led from court dressed in designer clothes before facing trial

Gardai bought him a takeaway meal after the hearing

• Published: 19:47, 28 Feb 2024
• Updated: 19:47, 28 Feb 2024

FREDDIE Thompson held up a fast food napkin as he was led away from court today and shouted: “Sponsored by Supermac’s.”

He wolfed down a takeaway meal after he was sent forward to face trial over threats to kill and assault charges.

The 43-year-old earlier whistled as he walked into Portlaoise District Court flanked by two prison officers at around 10.20am this morning.

Clean-shaven Freddie — who wore a Tommy Hilfiger tracksuit, Canada Goose jacket and Asics runners — sat in the main body of the courtroom and didn’t address the short hearing.

He is accused of an assault causing harm and with a threat to kill at Portlaoise Prison, Ireland’s maximum security jail, on November 17, 2022.

Thompson is further accused of another threat to kill at the same location on May 18, 2022.

A prison officer is the alleged ­victim in relation to the three raps, according to the charge sheets.

Detective Garda Padraic Ryan, of Portlaoise Garda Station, said he gave Thompson the book of evidence before the hearing in the precincts of the court and cautioned him.

The accused, who is originally from Dublin’s south inner city, has yet to indicate a plea to the charges.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has consented for the case to be sent on to the Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Nicola Andrews took a short time to read through documents relating to the case before she gave Thompson an alibi warning.

He now has 14 days to provide an alibi in writing after being officially put on notice.

Thompson’s solicitor, John Quinn, confirmed his client understood the judge’s warning.

When Thompson first appeared in court on February 15, he represented himself and was granted bail in relation to these three charges.

However Mr Quinn said there was no application for bail as his client was already serving a sentence.

Legal aid application

The solicitor applied for legal aid going forward and for Thompson’s earlier District Court hearing two weeks ago.

Judge Andrews granted the legal aid application and Thompson was remanded in custody.

His case was set for trial on June 11 in the Circuit Court. It will be heard in front of a jury if Thompson enters a plea of not guilty.Thompson was then led away from the courtroom but remained at the courthouse until nearly 1pm.

Gardai bought him a takeaway meal before he emerged holding the napkin up to photographers, saying: “Sponsored by Supermac’s.”

If convicted, Thompson can face up to five years’ jail for the assault causing harm, while threatening to kill carries a ten-year max penalty.