Man burgled family home and took mother’s car in Laois

A man who “fell on hard times” twice burgled his family home and stole his mother’s car. 

Daniel McManus (36) of Coolagh, Clonaslee, admitted burgling a house at Coolagh Cross, stealing keys and taking a car on December 19, 2024 and again on February 18, 2025. He also admitted having no licence or insurance and stealing fuel valued at €80 from Higgin’s Filling Station, Clonaslee on February 20 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had taken his mother’s car after entering the house and taking  the keys in December 2024 and again in February 2025. He said the man was identified on CCTV taking fuel from a filling station in Clonaslee on February 20. 

The man had 12 previous convictions, he said. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had not come to the attention of gardai in some time. She said in December “he had no place to stay” and he returned the car after five days. Then in February he took the car for ten days. 

“He has been in touch with the Local Authority for accommodation,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the man is spending four days a week in a hostel in Dublin. She said he was linking in with alcohol treatment services. 

She said “he fell on hard times” but “thankfully the car was recovered and undamaged”. She said her client was in receipt of jobseekers' benefit. 

Judge Susan Fay requested a probation report and a victim impact report. She remanded the defendant on bail and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 15 and said he was to bring €80 to court on that date.