Man sent for trial over Portlaoise murder

A book of evidence has been served on a man who is accused of murdering his wife in Portlaoise.

Eugen Constantin (72) of 25 Church Street, Portlaoise, is accused of the murder of Adina Raluca Constantin at his address on July 5, 2026.

He appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court where Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving the book of evidence.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed that the accused be sent forward to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court and there was also consent to the case being sent forward on a signed plea should that arise.

Judge Andrew Gubbins issued an alibi warning to the defendant. “I am now sending you forward for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court,” he said.

Solicitor Brian Duffy asked for legal aid for two counsel and for a Romanian translator to translate the book of evidence and to assist with consultations. He said his client had been granted bail in the High Court but had been unable to take it up.

Judge Gubbins granted legal aid for counsel and the interpreter and remanded the defendant in custody with consent to bail.