Man allegedly harassed woman in Laois for helping Ukranians 

A man appeared in court accused of harassing a woman for helping displaced Ukranians. 

Aivo Cirulis (52) of 10 Bluebell Way, Esker Hills, Portlaoise is accused of harassment at Millbrook, Portlaoise on dates between April 24 and April 28, 2023.  

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said subject to the judge accepting jurisdiction, the DPP had directed that the case be heard in the District Court. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher requested a disclosure order in the case. 

Sgt Kirby asked Judge Nicola Andrews if she wanted to consider jurisdiction in the case. 

He said it would be alleged that a foreign lady had presented at Portlaoise Garda Station on April 29 and made a complaint. 

The woman complained that the defendant had been “making alleged threats to her for helping out the Ukrainian community”.  He said the man also allegedly started messaging the woman’s husband.

Sgt Kirby said the accused is originally from Latvia. He provided Judge Andrews with a print out of the translated messages. 

“These messages are translated from the roman alphabet,” he explained. 

 Mr Meagher said his client’s English would be intermediate and he would need assistance with legal terms. 

After reading the contents of the messages, Judge Andrews said: “I am not going to determine jurisdiction at this point” and she requested an interpreter for the next appearance. 

“I want to make sure there is no interference with any witnesses in this case,” she added. 

She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on June 10, assigned a Latvian interpreter and granted legal aid. Judge Andrew told Mr Meagher to remind his client not to have any contact with the alleged injured party.