Allegedly entered rear door of Laois house and searched jacket pockets

A man appeared in court accused of criminal damage and burglary in Laois. 

Seamus Coss (36) of 64 O’Moore Street, Portlaoise, is accused of burglary at Heather Lane, Esker Hills, Portlaoise on June 29, 2025 and of criminal damage to a back window at Parklane, Maryborough, Portlaoise on March 18, 2026. He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link.  

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the case was to be heard in the district court subject to a judge’s approval. He said it was alleged the defendant went to an address at Esker Hills at 4am and opened a back door before searching jackets in a hallway and stealing €60 from a pocket of one of the coats. 

Sgt Kirby said it was further alleged that the defendant had caused €500 in criminal damage by breaking a back window at Maryborough Village on March 18. 

Judge Susan Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case. 

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Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was in custody. “He is doing well. He is detoxing”, he said. 

Judge Fay remanded the man in custody to appear again via video link on April 27.