Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 11220Possession of explosives · Co. Laois · 4 Nov 2025

Man accused of possessing explosives challenges Explosives Act in High Court

Karolis Peckauskas, a 38-year-old man, was arrested at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois, on 4 November 2025 and charged with possessing six litres of hydrogen peroxide and knowingly possessing an explosive substance. He was refused bail at Portlaoise District Court and then at the High Court in Cloverhill in December, and Judge Andrew Cody refused bail for both him and his co-accused, Garrett Pollock, 35. Leave for judicial review was granted on 26 January, with Peckauskas's lawyers arguing that Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an impermissible burden on him. The matter is due back before the High Court next month for mention.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Karolis Peckauskas, a 38-year-old man, is charged with possessing six litres of hydrogen peroxide and knowingly having in his possession an explosive substance.
Where
The arrest took place at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois.
When
Peckauskas was arrested on 4 November 2025.
Investigation
Gardaí allege that a video recording showed four masked men indicating an intention to take violent action against specific targets.
Other details
  • Peckauskas is alleged to have been part of a right-wing group that targeted a mosque in Galway.
  • The tracker lists the article as dated 1 February 2026, while the article text gives its date as 12 February 2026.
Charges
Co-accused Garrett Pollock, 35, faces charges of possessing explosives at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, and at an address at Kilhorne Green, Co Down.
In court
  • Peckauskas was refused bail at Portlaoise District Court and then at the High Court in Cloverhill in December.
  • Judge Andrew Cody refused bail for both men.
  • Peckauskas has not entered a plea and intends to apply for bail for a third time.
  • Leave for judicial review was granted by Justice Micheál O'Higgins on 26 January.
  • Peckauskas's lawyers argue that Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an impermissible burden on him.
  • The matter appears before the High Court next month for mention.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe arrest took place at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenPeckauskas was arrested on 4 November 2025. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationGardaí alleged that a video recording showed four masked men indicating an intention to take violent action against specific targets. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargePeckauskas was charged with possessing six litres of hydrogen peroxide and knowingly having in his possession an explosive substance. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeCo-accused Garrett Pollock faces charges of possessing explosives at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, and at an address at Kilhorne Green, Co Down. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtPeckauskas was refused bail at Portlaoise District Court and then at the High Court in Cloverhill in December. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtJudge Andrew Cody refused bail for both men. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtPeckauskas has not entered a plea and intends to apply for bail for a third time. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtLeave for judicial review was granted by Justice Micheál O’Higgins on 26 January. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtPeckauskas's lawyers argue that Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an impermissible burden on him. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe matter appears before the High Court next month for mention. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherPeckauskas is alleged to have been part of a right-wing group that targeted a mosque in Galway. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Feb2026
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Man accused of plotting to blow up mosque claims Explosives Act is unconstitutional

    Covers a High Court judicial review challenge to the Explosives Act brought by Peckauskas, who has been charged and refused bail. It also names a co-accused, Garrett Pollock, and states that the men are alleged to be linked to a right-wing group that targeted a mosque in Galway.

    accused, Karolis Peckauskas, 38, male, namedKarolis Peckauskasaccused, Garrett Pollock, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Garrett Pollock