Man before Laois court facing deportation

A man who is the subject of a deportation order was brought to court for allegedly refusing to surrender his passport. 

Abel Phillips (25) with an address at Esker, Ballyfin, Portlaoise, is accused of failing to cooperate with a deportation order at the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise on February 11, 2026. 

A Garda Detective said “he has a valid passport which he is refusing to surrender”. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was the subject of a deportation order and was currently in custody. She requested disclosure in the case. 

Judge Stephanie Coggans ordered disclosure and remanded the defendant in court to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on February 23 by video link.