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. 10294Aggravated burglary · Co. Laois · 2 Nov 2025

Two accused sent forward for trial over Portlaoise aggravated burglary

Eduard Ionut (26, of Orlagh Grange, Knocklyn, Dublin) is accused of aggravated burglary at Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise, on 2 November 2025, and co-accused Jovita Zakariene (42) faces charges of conspiracy to commit burglary and providing a false report to Gardaí. At a sitting of Portlaoise District Court, reported on 28 March 2026, a garda gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on Ionut, and the judge sent the case forward to the Circuit Court. The judge also issued an alibi warning, and legal aid for two counsel was granted given the seriousness of the charge. The matter is now listed for trial in the Circuit Court.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A book of evidence was served on Eduard Ionut, a 26-year-old man, accused of aggravated burglary in Portlaoise.
Where
The aggravated burglary is alleged to have taken place at Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise, Co Laois.
When
The incident is alleged to have happened on 2 November 2025.
Charges
  • Ionut faces two charges in the book of evidence.
  • Jovita Zakariene, a 42-year-old co-accused, faces charges of conspiracy to commit burglary and providing a false report to Gardaí.
Investigation
Garda Lisa Murray gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the defendant at Portlaoise District Court.
In court
  • Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man should be sent forward to the current sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court and that there was a co-accused in the case.
  • Judge Catherine Ryan noted the book had been served and sent the case forward to the Circuit Court.
  • The Director of Public Prosecutions consented to trial, according to the article summary.
Other details
  • The judge issued an alibi warning.
  • Legal aid for two counsel was granted given the seriousness of the charge.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA book of evidence was served on a man accused of aggravated burglary in Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe aggravated burglary took place at Ballycarnan Lodge, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 2 November 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeTwo charges were in the book of evidence. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeCo-accused Jovita Zakariene faces charges of conspiracy to commit burglary and providing a false report to Gardaí. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtA garda gave evidence of serving a book of evidence on the defendant at Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtGardaí said there was a co-accused in the case. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge noted the book had been served and sent the case forward to the Circuit Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherLegal aid for two counsel was granted given the seriousness of the charge. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe judge issued an alibi warning. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Mar2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Pair face trial in connection with alleged aggravated burglary in Laois

    Adds the names, ages and addresses of the two accused, the charges against each, and the court steps: a book of evidence was served, the DPP consented to trial, and the case was sent forward to the Circuit Court with an alibi warning.

    accused, Eduard Ionut, 26, male, namedEduard Ionutaccused, Jovita Zakariene, 42, namedJovita Zakariene