Woman breached bail conditions by entering Portlaoise

A woman who breached bail conditions by entering Portlaoise has been remanded in custody. 

Sarah Cloherty (38) with an address at 1 The Maisonettes, Stradbally, was brought before Portlaoise District Court accused of stealing two Fireball alcoholic drinks valued at €16 from Supervalu, Main Street, Stradbally on May 14 last. She was also accused of stealing wine valued at €8 from Mulhall’s Supervalu, Lyster Square, Portlaoise and being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in  Lyster Square, Portlaoise on July 9, 2025. 

A garda told the court that the woman had been released on bail on condition she stay out of Portlaoise and remain of sober habits on June 26, 2025. He said she has since been accused of theft and public order incidents in Portlaoise.   

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby agreed and said she had been ordered to stay out of Portlaoise save for hospital and court appointments. He said her bail conditions also included that she remain sober and be of good behaviour. 

Anne Doyle BL said her client suffers with mental health issues and was quite a vulnerable individual. “She forgot that she was not permitted to be in Portlaoise,” said Ms Doyle. 

“She is granted bail and signs a bail bond not to enter Portlaoise and she forgets it,” said Judge Andrew Cody.  He said he had no reason to believe that was true. 

Ms Doyle said her client was currently residing with a friend on Main Street in Stradbally who was looking after her. 

“She is going to take steps to address her addiction issues,” said Ms Doyle. She said the  woman now understands that she must abstain from alcohol. 

Judge Cody noted the woman had 13 charges pending and he said he had a duty to protect the public. 

He said he couldn’t believe that she could forget not to come into Portlaoise. He granted legal aid and remanded the woman in custody to appear before Portlaoise District Court on Monday, July 14.