Man tried to open the door of a house in Laois

A man admitted stealing money from a car and trying to open the door of a house in Laois. 

David Byrne (36) of Apartment 3, St Francis House, Gort Na Noir, Abbeyleix admitted taking money from a car and trespass at a house at Corrán Na Nóir, Abbeyleix on April 17 last. He also admitted stealing two cans of 4Loco valued at €11.50 from Centra on Main Street, Portarlington, on September 15, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had gone into the store and taken the cans without paying at 12.30pm on September 15. The goods weren’t recovered. Sgt Kirby said the victim in the other incident didn’t want to make a victim impact statement.  

Solicitor Phillp Meagher said there was a probation report and he also produced a letter from the defendant’s father. 

Judge Susan Fay noted the man had taken €5 from a car and then tried to enter a property and when the homeowner answered, he uttered an excuse and ran away from the property. 

Sgt Kirby said the man has 77 previous convictions dating over a 20 year period. He said it was a “frightening thing” for people to have their doors opened.  Judge Fay said it was a significant invasion of privacy. 

Mr Meagher said “he seems to have an understanding of that, as per the probation report.” 

Sgt Kirby said the incident at the house occurred at 12.12am and the defendant turned the handle a number of times. He said it was “rather frightening” but said the defendant did make full admissions. 

Judge Fay asked if the defendant was in a position to come up with compensation. 

Mr Meagher said the man was in receipt of €240 per week in social welfare and paid €35 a week in rent. 

Judge Fay said the probation report was positive. “I want him to gather €200 for the resident,” she said. 

She remanded the defendant on bail and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on February 23.