Charges struck out over alleged €13,475 ‘jugging’ thefts in Laois

Charges were struck out against a man who was accused of stealing €13,475 in a crime known as ‘jugging’.

Michael McDonald (55) of Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin had been accused of stealing €10,000 in cash from a car park at Emo National School on November 13, 2025 and €3,475 in cash from the car park at Telfords, Portlaoise on December 19, 2025.

It had been alleged that Mr McDonald had followed two customers from banks in Portlaoise before cash was stolen from their cars at a previous court sitting. The court sitting was told the crime was known as ‘jugging’.

He appeared again before Portlaoise District Court via video link where Sergeant Jason Hughes said the DPP had recommended no prosecution in relation to one of the charges and there were no directions in relation to the second charge.

Andrew Dunne BL said the defendant had been in custody since March 13 and the case had been marked peremptory.

“I would ask the court to strike out this matter,” said Mr Dunne. He said the man was in custody solely in relation to the charges.

Judge Susan Fay agreed to strike out the charges at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.