Man accused of burgling Portlaoise shops

A man appeared in court accused of burglary of shops in Portlaoise. 

Paul Houlihan, 40, with an address at Apartment 2, 1 Emmett Street, Mountmellick is accused of burglary at Polonez, Bridge Street, Portlaoise on January 31 last. 

He is also accused of burglary at Eurogiant, Lyster Square, Portlaoise on December 14, 2023 when vapes valued at €360 were stolen. 

Objecting to bail, Garda Seamus O’Connor said the defendant was arrested at 6am on the New Road in Portlaoise on suspicion of burglary at the Polish shop on January 31. 

Garda O’Connor objected to bail for the defendant and said the evidence against the accused was strong. He said there was CCTV evidence and the defendant had nowhere to stay.  

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client had difficulties with heroin addiction but was now on methadone. He said the man “presents well” in court and would turn up for trial. 

“He is asking the court for a chance,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

Mr Fitzgerald said the man was working with the council to try and get accommodation for the man. 

“I am homeless basically since my mother passed away two years ago,” the defendant told Judge Andrew Cody. 

Judge Cody said he would be inclined to grant bail if an address could be provided. He gave the defendant some time to secure an address and returned to the case after lunch. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald told the court that an address at Apartment 2, 1 Emmett Street, Mountmellick had been secured. He introduced Kevin Houlihan, who he said lived at the address and was not related to the accused despite having the same surname.

The man said he had been living at the address for three years and was willing to have the defendant stay. He explained that he was in a relationship with the defendant’s cousin.  

Judge Andrew Cody said the defendant would have to adhere to a curfew. 

“Will you be there to make sure he does comply,” he asked. The man said he would. 

Judge Cody agreed to grant bail with a number of strict conditions which included signing on three days a week at Portlaoise Garda Station, observing a curfew and to remain of sober habits. He remanded the defendant on bail and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on February 8.