Man accused of coercion in Laois

A Judge refused to vary the bail of a man who is accused of coercion, theft and assault causing harm. 

The man (43), who has a Laois address cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of assaulting a woman causing her harm on August 11, 2025 and with coercion and theft of a mobile phone on dates between August 11 and 12, 2025. The offending is alleged to have occurred in Laois. 

Detective Garda Stephen Lynott gave evidence of charging the accused who he said made no reply. He requested four weeks for the preparation of the book of evidence. 

Andrew Dunne BL said he had an application to vary bail. He said the man, who was ordered to stay outside of Laois except for court or medical appointments, was looking to reside in Laois for a number of weekends while he secured accommodation elsewhere. 

Det Lynott said “there was an objection to bail and he was granted bail on strict conditions”. 

“I don’t see any reason why he needs to be in Laois at the weekends,” he said. 

Mr Dunne said the man had weekday accommodation with work outside the county but needed to get weekend accommodation. He said it would only be needed for around two weeks. 

Det Lynott objected and said where the accused wanted to return to was located about ten minutes away from the address of the alleged injured party. 

Judge Stephanie Coggans refused the application to vary bail. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 23.