Garda seeks to revoke Laois teenager's bail over breaches

A Garda applied to revoke bail for a teenager who is accused of violent disorder in a coffee shop in Portlaoise. 

The youth is accused of violent disorder at Costa Coffee in Laois Shopping Centre on January 22, 2025. 

The youth (16), who has a Laois address, was arrested and brought before Portlaoise District Court where Garda Billy O’Connor explained that he had gone to Laois Shopping Centre despite being barred under the conditions of his bail. 

Garda O’Connor said the youth, who was supposed to sign on three days a week at his local garda station, had only signed on once since securing bail on November 3, 2025.  

Judge Andrew Cody noted the teenager  had been seen in Laois Shopping Centre six times and said his behaviour “looks like an application to go to Oberstown” detention centre. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said he had discussed the situation with his client. He said his  client was willing to give evidence. In evidence, he asked the youth why he kept going to the shopping centre. “There is nowhere else in the town to go,” the teen replied. He then promised not to go to the shopping centre again and agreed to adhere to the bail conditions. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said “I know you, you are a highly intelligent young man. You know the conditions”. He said the boy had a “huge amount of potential” but was “letting everyone down”. 

Judge Andrew Cody said the boy was letting himself down. He remanded him on bail to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on January 8 to monitor bail conditions. 

Judge Cody told Garda O’Connor that if there were any other breaches of bail conditions he was to call Oberstown and make sure there was a space available. 

“You can bring your own pyjamas if you have breached any more bail conditions,” Judge Cody warned the youth ahead of the next appearance.