Man accused of burgling Portlaoise shop

A man appeared in court accused of burgling a shop in Portlaoise. 

William Donoghue(37) of 3 Harpurs Lane, Portlaoise, is accused of burgling Bosco’s Newsagents, Mountrath Road, on August 9 and possessing benzodiazepine at Bull Lane, Portlaoise on August 19, 2025. 

Garda Ross O’Donovan said the defendant had met gardai by appointment after a bench warrant was issued last week. He said there was no objection to bail. 

“We are looking to change the address on all the charge sheets, there was let’s say a clerical error, it should read 3 Harpurs Lane,” he said. 

Garda O’Donovan said the defendant has “no ties” to Pleasant Place, Harpurs Lane, which had incorrectly been used previously. He said the defendant should reside at Harpurs Lane for the purpose of bail.

Solicitor Philip Meagher said he had no issue. “That is his father’s address and he would normally reside there in any event,” he explained. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby requested six weeks for directions from the DPP. 

“We don’t have directions. It is a relatively serious allegation,” he said before requesting a curfew be included in the bail conditions. 

Mr Meagher said his client had hoped to secure work in the future and he expressed some concern about the curfew. 

However, Judge Catherine Hayden granted a curfew between the hours of 11pm and 7am and said the defendant could seek to amend the conditions if there was any issue in future. 

Mr Meagher said his client was in receipt of disability benefit and he requested legal aid for his client.

Judge Hayden granted legal aid and adjourned the matter to Portlaoise District Court on October 13.