Men appear in Laois court on explosives charge

Two men appeared in court on explosives charges arising from their arrest in Portlaoise last year. 

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.

Karolis Peckauskas (38) of An Tobar, 37 Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth also appeared before Portlaoise District Court 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 Brian Duffy, representing Mr Pollock, asked that his client’s case be marked peremptory against the State for DPP directions on the next date. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said he had a similar application to make for his client, Mr Peckauskas. 

Judge Susan Fay remanded both men in custody and adjourned the cases to February 23. She marked the cases peremptory on that date for DPP directions and said the defendants would appear again via video link.