Man allegedly had knife and damaged donation box in Laois church

A man who was accused of producing a knife and damaging a donation box in St Peter and Paul’s Church in Portlaoise failed to appear in court.

Glenn O’Neill (26) of Kirsten House, 38 Liogard, Portlaoise, is accused of causing criminal damage to the lock of a donation box at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise on October 30, 2025. He is further accused of possessing a blade at the same church a day earlier on October 29 and of possessing a blade at Main Street, Portlaoise on October 31. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the cases could be heard in the district court subject to the judge accepting jurisdiction. 

He told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that gardaí had received a call about a male “attempting to break into a donation box” at St Peter and Paul’s Church. He said the box was knocked over and the lock had been tampered with and damaged. 

“CCTV identified Mr O’Neill as the person who was allegedly causing the damage,” said Sgt Kirby. He explained that no money had been taken. 

Sgt Kirby said it would be alleged the defendant removed a homemade knife from his pocket when stopped on Main Street in Portlaoise on October 31. 

On October 29, he said it would be alleged the defendant went into St Peter and Paul’s Church where he was approached by a man before he “allegedly produced an offensive weapon before leaving”.

Judge Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case. She then issued a bench warrant as the defendant wasn’t in court.