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. 10933Aggravated burglary · Co. Laois · 2 Nov 2025

Man and woman before Portlaoise court over aggravated burglary at Ballycarnan Lodge

On November 2, 2025, an aggravated burglary was alleged at Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Eduard Ionut (26), of Orlagh Grange, Knocklyn, Dublin, is accused of aggravated burglary and possession of a baton, and Jovita Zakariene (42), of Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise, is accused of conspiring to commit burglary and providing a false statement to gardaí. In February 2026 both appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded them on bail. The latest development is that both are due back before Portlaoise District Court on March 16 for service of the book of evidence.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court18 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Eduard Ionut, 26, of Orlagh Grange, Knocklyn, Dublin, is accused of aggravated burglary and possession of a baton.
  • Jovita Zakariene, 42, of Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise, appeared before the court as a co-accused.
Where
The alleged offences took place at Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise, Co Laois.
When
The alleged offences took place on November 2, 2025.
Weapon
Ionut is accused of possession of a baton.
Investigation
Detective Garda Gerard Galwey told the court that Ionut had been further charged in relation to the investigation and made no reply.
Charges
Zakariene is accused of conspiring to commit burglary and providing a false statement to gardaí.
In court
  • The article text dates the court appearance to February 22, 2026, while its publication date is February 18, 2026, before Portlaoise District Court.
  • Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded both defendants on bail to March 16 for service of the book of evidence at Portlaoise District Court.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man was accused of aggravated burglary and possession of a baton in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe alleged offences took place at Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offences took place on November 2, 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationDetective Garda Gerard Galwey said the accused was further charged in relation to the investigation and made no reply. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeEduard Ionut is accused of aggravated burglary and possession of a baton. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeJovita Zakariene is accused of conspiring to commit burglary and of providing a false statement to gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Stephanie Coggans remanded both defendants on bail. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtBoth defendants were due back before Portlaoise District Court on March 16 for service of the book of evidence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThere was a co-accused in the case. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Feb2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man accused of aggravated burglary in Portlaoise

    Names both accused, gives their ages and addresses, and adds a co-accused charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and providing a false statement. Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded both on bail to March 16 for service of the book of evidence.

    accused, Eduard Ionut, 26, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Eduard Ionutaccused, Jovita Zakariene, 42, female, named, non-irish (judged from name)Jovita Zakariene