Man accused of burgling two houses in Portlaoise

A man appeared in court accused of burgling two houses in Portlaoise. 

David McDonagh (28) of Ballyfin Road, Portlaoise, is accused of burgling two neighbouring houses at Jessop Street, Portlaoise, on February 11, 2024. 

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via videolink where Judge Susan Fay noted the probation report wasn’t ready. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he had victim impact statements to hand into the court. 

Solicitor Michael Byrne said his client had consent to bail but didn’t have the €1,000 in cash that was needed. He asked Judge Fay to consider reducing the bail to a lower amount of cash. 

“He has put his hands up. He accepts responsibility,” said Mr Byrne. 

The defendant said he didn’t have the money but he had work lined up. 

Sgt Kirby described the incident as serious and said the prosecuting garda had concerns which led to the bail being set. 

He said the accused had entered the bedrooms of people as they slept. The incident had led to people being “terrified” and it had a “devastating impact” on the victims, said Sgt Kirby. 

Mr Byrne said there had been no intention of violence in the offending. He said his client had been “extremely intoxicated” and brought into the second property by the owner of the first property who thought he was staying there. 

The man told Judge Fay that he was now clean and off all drugs. 

Judge Fay said having considered all matters, she was not going to reduce the bail. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on July 17. The defendant asked to be produced on that date.