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. 8562Causing injury to protected birds and wilful destruction of wild bird nests · Co. Laois

Two plead guilty over destruction of House Martin nests at Laois house

Hazel Lindsay and Gerard Bracken (63) were involved in destroying 57 House Martin nests at a house in Cullenagh, Co Laois, which was due for sale, in July 2025. The National Parks and Wildlife Service received a complaint on July 25. At Portlaoise District Court, reported on 18 July 2026, both pleaded guilty to causing injury to protected birds and to wilful destruction of wild bird nests, and the judge said he would apply the probation act subject to payment of €10,000 to charity. The matter was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 18 September.

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

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The offences involved destroying 57 House Martin nests at a house due for sale.
Where
The offences took place at Cullenagh in Laois.
When
The offences took place in July 2025.
Cause
Ms Lindsay directed the works to prepare the house for sale.
Investigation
  • The NPWS received a complaint on July 25 that House Martin nests had been destroyed at a house in Cullenagh.
  • An NPWS estimate put the number of birds killed in the incident at 205.
Other details
  • Mr Bracken returned to the house the day after the tenant's email and destroyed more nests.
  • Mr Bracken was paid €400 to power-wash the property.
Charges
Ms Lindsay and Mr Bracken pleaded guilty to causing injury to protected birds and to wilful destruction of wild bird nests.
In court
  • The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court, where the judge said he would apply the probation act subject to payment of the money.
  • The matter was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on September 18.
Sentence
The pair were ordered to donate €10,000 to charity.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man and a woman were responsible for blasting 57 House Martin nests from a house due for sale. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe offences took place at Cullenagh in Laois. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offences took place in July 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeMs Lindsay directed the works to prepare the house for sale. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe NPWS received a complaint on July 25 that House Martin nests had been destroyed at a house in Cullenagh. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeTwo people pleaded guilty to causing injury to protected birds and to wilful destruction of wild bird nests. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge said he would apply the probation act subject to payment of the money. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe matter was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on September 18. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe pair were ordered to donate €10,000 to charity. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMr Bracken returned to the house the day after the tenant's email and destroyed more nests. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherAn NPWS estimate put the number of birds killed in the incident at 205. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherMr Bracken was paid €400 to power-wash the property. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Jul2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man and woman in court after 57 nests ‘blasted’ off Laois house

    Reports the guilty pleas at Portlaoise District Court, the probation act arrangement subject to payment, and the adjournment to 18 September.

    accused, Hazel Lindsay, female, named, irish (judged from name)Hazel Lindsayaccused, Gerard Bracken, 63, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gerard Bracken