Robbery accused allegedly had Glock-style air pistol in Laois

Fresh charges have been brought against a man who is accused of armed robberies in Portarlington. 

Liam Grennan (30) of No Fixed Abode is accused of the robbery of €335 at Applegreen filling station in Portarlington and €780 from Maxol filling station in Portarlington January 23 last. 

He is further accused of burglary at Dowling’s Newsagents, Portlaoise Shopping Centre on January 21 and with burglary at Mahon House, James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise and trespass at two houses at Craven Court, Portlaoise,  burglary at a third house in Craven Court, Portlaoise and theft of a €23 bottle of Paddy Power whiskey from Dunnes Stores, Portlaoise Shopping  Centre on the same date.

He faced two fresh charges at a recent sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Det Garda Padraic Ryan gave evidence of arrest and charge at the court sitting where the man was further charged with attempted robbery of a man and carrying a firearm with criminal intent on Main Street, Portarlington  on January 23, 2026. 

The firearm was described as a 6mm calibre non branded air gun modelled on a Glock semi automatic pistol.  

Det Ryan said the defendant made no reply to the attempted robbery charge. “His reply to the firearms charge was ‘apologies’,” said Det Ryan. 

He said the DPP had consented to the accused being sent forward for trial in connection with the robbery allegations.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick requested legal aid in the case and asked for a short remand in custody. 

Noting that the book of evidence wouldn’t be ready, Judge Susan Fay granted legal aid and remanded the defendant in custody. She adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on March 26 for mention.