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. 11310Sexual assault and child cruelty · Co. Laois

Man and woman accused of sexual assault and child cruelty in Laois

A man and a woman, both in their mid-30s, are accused of child cruelty, sexual activity in the presence of a child and sexual assault in Laois, with the alleged offences dated between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023. At their first court appearance at Portlaoise District Court, books of evidence were served on each of them and the DPP directed that they be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court. Legal aid was granted to each accused for a solicitor and two counsel. The latest development is that the judge sent both accused forward to the Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court sittings beginning on February 17, 2026, and neither can be named because of reporting restrictions.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court29 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The two accused are a man and a woman, both in their mid-30s.
Charges
Each accused is charged with cruelty to a child, sexual activity in the presence of a child and sexual assault.
Where
The accused appeared in court at Portlaoise District Court in Laois.
When
  • The alleged offences took place between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
  • The first court appearance was reported on January 29, 2026.
Investigation
Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on each accused.
In court
  • Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP directed that both accused be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court.
  • Legal aid was granted for a solicitor and two counsel for each accused.
  • The judge sent both accused forward to the Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court sittings beginning on February 17, 2026.
Other details
Neither accused can be named due to reporting restrictions.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatEach accused is charged with cruelty to a child, sexual activity in the presence of a child and sexual assault. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whereThe accused appeared in court in Laois. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offences are alleged to have occurred between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationA garda gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on each accused. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed that both accused be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtLegal aid was granted for a solicitor and two counsel for each accused. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge sent both accused forward to the Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court sittings beginning on February 17, 2026. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused cannot be named due to reporting restrictions. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 29 Jan2026
    In courtoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Man and woman in Midlands accused of sexual assault and child cruelty

    First court appearance at Portlaoise District Court, where books of evidence were served and the accused were sent forward to the circuit court. Dates given as a range, names restricted.

    accused, mid 30s, maleaccused, mid 30s, female