Armed robbery accused appears before special court sitting in Laois

A man has appeared in court accused of two armed robberies, three burglaries, trespass and theft in Laois. 

Liam Grennan(30) with an address given as No Fixed Abode, Portlaoise, appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court this afternoon. 

He is accused of the robbery of €780 in cash at Maxol Filling Station, Main Street, Portarlington and the robbery of €355 in cash from Applegreen Filling Station, Main Street, Portarlington on Friday, January 23, 2026. 

The defendant is also accused of burglary at Dowlings Newsagent, Portlaoise Shopping Centre, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise and burglary at Meehan House, James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise on Wednesday, January 21. He is further charged with the burglary of a house at Craydon Court, Portlaoise and trespassing at two neighbouring houses on January 21, 2026. He is also accused of stealing a bottle of Paddy Power Whiskey valued at €23 from Dunnes Stores, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on January 21, 2026. 

Detective Garda Padraic Ryan gave evidence of arresting the defendant at Main Street in Portarlington on Friday. He said the defendant’s reply to all charges when cautioned was, “sorry”. 

“I am looking for a remand in custody to Portlaoise District Court tomorrow,” he told Judge Andrew Cody. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said there was no application for bail. “He wishes to be remanded in custody,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client has been unemployed since last October and she requested legal aid. She also asked that the defendant receives medical assistance in custody. 

Judge Cody granted legal aid and agreed to request medical assistance. He remanded the defendant in custody by consent to appear before Portlaoise District Court via video link on Monday, January 26 at 10.30am.