Friday 30 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. 17541Theft from vehicles · Co. Laois

Man jailed for stealing from cars in Portlaoise

PJ O'Shea, 31, was jailed for stealing from parked cars in the Crescent Court estate in Portlaoise, Co Laois. The offending took place over three nights beginning on February 6, and he faced ten charges over the break-ins. He appeared before Portlaoise District Court, pleaded guilty to the offences, and was jailed for four months, backdated to February 16. The sentence was reported on April 21, 2024.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced19 Apr
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Items taken from the cars included two laptops, a wallet containing €20, assorted coins, a passport, a driver's licence and two sets of duvet covers.
  • One car window was smashed.
Where
The thefts took place in the Crescent Court estate in Portlaoise, Co Laois.
When
The offending took place over three nights beginning on February 6.
Cause
The offending was committed to fund a drug habit.
Investigation
Gardaí said the break-ins to two parked cars at the weekend may be linked.
Charges
PJ O'Shea faced ten charges in relation to the incidents.
In court
  • PJ O'Shea appeared before Portlaoise District Court.
  • PJ O'Shea pleaded guilty to the offences.
Sentence
PJ O'Shea was jailed for four months, with the sentence backdated to February 16.
Other details
  • PJ O'Shea had 111 previous convictions.
  • Detective JP O'Brien said the accused would flick door handles and rob items from cars.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatItems taken included two laptops, a wallet containing €20, coins, a passport, a driver's licence and two sets of duvet covers. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatOne car window was smashed. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe thefts took place in the Crescent Court estate in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offending took place over three nights beginning on February 6. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe offending was committed to fund a drug habit. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said the break-ins to two parked cars at the weekend may be linked. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe defendant faced ten charges in relation to the incidents. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe man appeared before Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe defendant pleaded guilty to the offences. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceHe was jailed for four months and the sentence was backdated to February 16. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had 111 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Apr2024
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man jailed for stealing from cars in Laois

    Court report on the sentencing of PJ O'Shea for ten charges over break-ins to parked cars in Portlaoise. No existing case matched.

    convicted, PJ O'Shea, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)PJ O'Shea