Woman found reading book in kitchen after man heard noises in his house in Laois

A man who heard an early morning disturbance in his house in Portarlington discovered a woman reading a book in his kitchen. 

Ozlet Muwaniri (38) of 73 Crann Nua, Portarlington pleaded guilty to trespassing at the property on Bracklone Street, Portarlington on April 6, 2026. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the woman was pleading guilty to the offence. 

“Her parents are here to take her home into their custody,” she told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.  

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at a property in Bracklone Street, Portarlington, when a man heard a disturbance in his house at around 6.20am. The man who was in his bedroom “heard banging noises coming from the kitchen” of the house and went to investigate, he explained. 

Sgt Kirby said the man discovered a female he knew as the defendant “reading a book in the kitchen”. The women put the book in a drawer and left the house.  He said nothing was taken but the man got a fright. 

Judge Susan Fay said a victim impact statement would be useful. She asked Sgt Kirby what bail conditions he believed were necessary to grant bail to the accused. 

Sgt Kirby requested a curfew, he asked that the woman remain sober, keep the peace and be of good behaviour, reside at her address, take all of her prescribed medication and sign on weekly at Portlaoise Garda Station. 

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Judge Fay granted bail and requested a victim impact statement, restorative justice, a probation report and a community service suitability assessment. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on May 25.