'Fat' Freddie Thompson, Dublin gangster was spotted at a District Court sitting in the city this week where he accompanied a young defendant, who is himself facing serious charges.The accused, in his late teens and from south Dublin, is believed to have 'hired' Thompson as security during his court appearances, after an incident a number of weeks ago in which he was attacked with a knife -- in court."Freddie was riding shotgun for this kid," said a source."It looks like Fred has gone into the bodyguard business," the source added.The young man, who is free on bail despite the serious nature of the charges he is facing, had a narrow escape as he waited for his case to be called. Another man pulled a knife and attempted to stab him, but was apprehended by gardai and removed from the court.Gardai believe that members of the young man's family contacted Thompson to ask him to appear in court this week as 'security', to intimidate other criminals and offset any attacks.Thompson (28) duly appeared at the court and stood beside the youngster, while the teen waited for his case to be called yesterday. The accused cannot be named for legal reasons.
Crime boss Thompson, who is known to head a Crumlin-based gang, then left the court after the hearing.
"Freddie just stood beside the young lad and let it be know that he was with him. The kid is in trouble with other people from his local area and the knife attack in court was obviously a pretty serious matter."The guards in court were joking that Freddie must be hit by the recession if he had to hire himself out as a bodyguard."The incident was Thompson's second court appearance this week, following his own arraignment last Monday on public order charges. He is accused of threatening behaviour and failing to comply with the instructions of a garda.The charge was brought over an alleged incident which occurred on Aungier Street the previous evening. The court heard that Thompson replied, when charged, "I just want to apologise to the guard".Despite his involvement in underworld activity, Thompson's previous convictions are for relatively minor offences.