Ireland Man sentenced for criminal damage and knife possession in Portlaoise
On 26 January 2026, Oto Danhel, a 50-year-old man from Slovakia living in Portlaoise, armed himself with a knife and threw a rock through the front window of an apartment on Main Street, Portlaoise, after receiving a phone call from a family member about an individual at the property. His car registration was captured on CCTV and gardaí arrested him at his address. He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of a knife at Portlaoise District Court on 6 March 2026. On 9 October 2026, the judge applied Section 1(1) of the Probation Act, directed him to take part in the Restorative Justice Programme, and ordered compensation for the €300 damage, which he had already repaired himself.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court6 Mar
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A man armed with a knife threw a rock through the front window of an apartment on Main Street, Portlaoise.
- Where
- The incident occurred on Main Street, Portlaoise, County Laois.
- When
- The incident occurred on 26 January 2026.
- Cause
- The man had received a phone call from a family member about an individual at the property and brought the knife for protection and to intimidate.
- Weapon
- A knife and a rock.
- Investigation
- The car's registration was captured on CCTV, allowing gardaí to track the man to his address where he was arrested.
- Charges
- Oto Danhel, 50, of 82 Hawthorn Way, Esker Hills, Portlaoise, was charged with criminal damage and possession of a knife.
- In court
- He pleaded guilty to both charges at Portlaoise District Court on 6 March 2026.
- Sentence
- On 9 October 2026, the judge applied Section 1(1) of the Probation Act, directed him to take part in the Restorative Justice Programme, and ordered compensation for the €300 damage.
- Other details
- The defendant is originally from Slovakia, works part time as a delivery driver, and had no previous convictions of this nature.
- The defendant repaired the damage himself and has a good relationship with the victim.
30 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe man was captured on CCTV with a knife in his hand. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe man picked up a rock and smashed a window. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe man got into his car and drove away. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe man armed himself with a knife before throwing a rock through the front window of an apartment at Main Street, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe incident happened on Main Street, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereOto Danhel lives at 82 Hawthorn Way, Esker Hills, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenCCTV from Main Street on 26 January showed a man with a knife in his hand. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- causeThe man had received a phone call from a family member in relation to an individual at the property. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- causeHe brought the knife for protection and to intimidate an individual. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationThe car's registration was captured, which allowed gardaí to track the man down at his address, where he was arrested. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationThe judge asked gardaí to obtain a statement from the victim in the meantime. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeHe came before the district court charged with criminal damage and possessing a knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHe pleaded guilty to criminal damage and to possessing a knife at the time. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtGardaí said he had three previous road traffic convictions dating back to 2009. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHis barrister said his previous convictions are considered spent. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge directed him to take part in the Restorative Justice Programme, undergo a probation report and gather compensation for the damage. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHe was remanded on continuing bail to the 6 July sitting of the court for finalisation. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHis barrister applied for free legal aid, which was granted. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtHe appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of criminal damage and possession of a knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe judge granted legal aid and applied Section 1(1) of the Probation Act. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe defence solicitor described the probation and restorative justice reports as very positive. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe defendant made full admissions after the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHe now has a good relationship with the victim and has repaired the house. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe defendant is originally from Slovakia and works part time as a delivery driver. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHe was described as extremely remorseful and embarrassed about the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHe had no previous convictions of this nature. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe judge noted the man appeared to have a good work history and no addiction issues. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe damage amounted to €300. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe defendant repaired the damage himself. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe judge described the incident as a misguided attempt to defend a family member. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 9 Oct2026Man with knife threw rock at window of Portlaoise apartment
Reports the court hearing where the defence presented mitigation (probation and restorative justice reports, good work history, no addiction issues, self-repaired €300 damage, good relationship with victim), the judge characterised the incident as a misguided attempt to defend a family member, and applied Section 1(1) of the Probation Act.
suspect, Oto Danhel, 50, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Oto Danhelvictim - 6 Mar2026Laois man captured on CCTV with knife and smashing window
First report of the case. Adds the court appearance: guilty pleas to criminal damage and knife possession, the judge's directions, and the adjournment to 6 July. The year of the 26 January incident is not stated in the article.
accused, Oto Danhel, 50, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Oto Danhel