State accused of dilly-dallying over Laois explosives case

A barrister said it was ‘ridiculous’ that the State ‘dilly-dallies around’ while a man remains in custody on an explosive charge.

Garrett Pollock (35) of 12 Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down is accused of possessing an explosive substance, to wit four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide at O’Moore Place, Portlaoise on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. 

He is further charged with possessing “three externally threaded metal pipes, hexagonal metal end caps and lengths of green firework fuse (which) are the components of three pipe bomb type improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and four incendiary type improvised explosive devices (IEDS) with white dish cloth wicks” contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1883 on November 5, 2025 at his address.

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link. David Nugent BL said his client, who wishes to be tried in Northern Ireland, had been refused bail in the High Court. 

“Mr Pollock indicated that he was going to exercise his right to be tried in the North of Ireland,” said Mr Nugent. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby asked that the defendant be remanded in custody for another month. 

“This man has been in custody, eight, nine weeks,” said Mr Nugent. He said he still has the presumption of innocence and he asked for some progress in the case.

Sgt Kirby said “the file is being compiled. It is an extensive investigation.” 

“This is a ridiculous situation. This man has been in custody while the State dilly-dallies around,” said Mr Nugent. 

Sgt Kirby said he would get in touch with his colleagues in the Special Detective Unit (SDU) who he said would expedite the matter because the accused remains in custody.  

Judge Susan Fay said she would remand the defendant in custody for two weeks and mark the case time passing in respect of DPP directions. She adjourned the matter back January 26. 

Co accused, Karolis Peckauskas (38) of An Tobar, 37 Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth also appeared before Portlaoise District Court today via video link. 

He faces one charge of “possession an explosive substance, to wit four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide" at O’Moore Place, Portlaoise on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the situation was similar to Mr Nugent’s client as High Court bail had been refused. “I wonder could you make the same order,” he said. 

Judge Fay remanded the defendant in custody to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on January 26 for DPP directions.