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. 7995Breach of community service order · Co. Laois · 25 Apr 2019

Woman appears in court over breach of community service order in Laois

Tara Kane, a woman whose age is not given, was fined €160 at Portlaoise District Court in February 2020 for not having a TV licence at her address on 25 April 2019 in Laois. When she failed to pay, she was given 40 hours of community service in lieu of the fine. She appeared before Portlaoise District Court in September 2026, accused of breaching that community service order, after her solicitor said she had completed 16 of the 40 hours. The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on 12 October.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court19 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Tara Kane, a woman, was accused of breaching a community service order.
Where
She appeared before Portlaoise District Court in County Laois.
When
The original TV licence offence took place on 25 April 2019.
Other details
  • The original offence was not having a TV licence at her address.
  • The court appearance was reported by leinsterexpress.ie on 19 September 2026.
Charges
She was fined €160 at a court in February 2020 for the TV licence offence.
Sentence
After she failed to pay the fine, she was given 40 hours of community service in lieu.
In court
  • Her solicitor, Josephine Fitzpatrick, said she had completed 16 of the 40 hours.
  • The probation officer said she had been given ample opportunity and had failed to complete the hours.
  • The judge said there was no default provision and she could face a custodial sentence if the order is not completed.
  • The probation officer suggested one day a week to complete the order.
  • The matter was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on 12 October.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereTara Kane appeared before Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe TV licence offence was on 25 April 2019. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeTara Kane was accused of breaching a community service order. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeShe was originally fined €160 for not having a TV licence at her address. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtHer solicitor said she had completed 16 of the 40 hours. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe probation officer said she had been given ample opportunity and had failed to complete the hours. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge said there was no default provision and she could face a custodial sentence if the order is not completed. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe probation officer suggested one day a week to complete the order. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe matter was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on 12 October. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceShe was given 40 hours of community service in lieu of the fine when she failed to pay. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 19 Sep2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Woman in court over TV licence in Laois warned she could face jail

    Reports the court appearance over breach of a community service order, the original TV licence fine, and the adjournment to 12 October.

    accused, Tara Kane, female, named, irish (judged from name)Tara Kane