Courts / Louth / Report

Alleged member of right-wing group cannot get a fair trial on explosives charge, court papers claim

Date
2026-02-12

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

A man accused of being part of a right-wing group that targeted a mosque in Galway claims he cannot receive a fair trial due to the wording of the Explosives Act. Karolis Peckauskas (38) of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, has been granted leave from the High Court to challenge the fairness of his trial under the Act, which he argues violates his fundamental human rights. He was arrested on November 4 last year at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois, and charged with possessing six litres of hydrogen peroxide and an explosive substance. Peckauskas has not entered a plea and plans to apply for bail for the third time. In November, he was denied bail at Portlaoise District Court and again at the High Court in December. His co-accused, Garrett Pollock (35), was also refused bail. Evidence presented included a video of four masked men planning violent action and a manifesto for a right-wing group. Judge Andrew Cody described the video as resembling a statement released after a terrorist attack.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Alleged member of right-wing group cannot get a fair trial on explosives charge, court papers claim. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

November 4 Incident
January 26 Hearing Or Sentence
2026-02-12 Publication

Why: " The Act's wording, lawyers for Mr Peckauskas submit, places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant because it places an obligation on him to prove he is not morally culpable, contrary to Article 38. CNI source report