Attempted to steal wallet from 80 year old man in Portlaoise
Last July the man had begged not be jailed and swore to change his ways
A man who recently begged a judge not to jail him and promised never to appear in court again has been jailed for attempting to steal from an elderly man in Portlaoise.
Bernard McDonagh (30) of Ballyfin Road, Portlaoise appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of attempting to commit an indictable offence at Lyster Square, Portlaoise on August 21 and theft of €40 at Meehan Court, Portlaoise on the same date.
A Detective Garda told the court an 80 year-old man parked his car in Lyster Square at 12 noon and went to the shop. When he returned to his car the accused assisted the man, who was using two walking sticks, in crossing the road and began pushing into him. A retired Detective, Maria McWey, noticed the accused was trying to take his wallet from his pocket and intervened.
“The retired member at the scene noticed him put his hand into the pocket,” he explained.
The court heard that at 11.55 am the same day, the accused had approached a man he knew at Meehan Court and asked for money for a bus fare. The man had one €10 and two €20 notes in his wallet and no change. He offered the €10 note to the accused who then grabbed the two €20s, pushed him back and left the scene. The court was told the man had 30 previous convictions.
Judge Andrew Cody noted the man had given assurance when he appeared in court and was released on bail in relation to theft charges in July.
Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had asked him to pass on his sincere apologies to the two injured parties.
“He basically couldn’t help himself when he saw the two €20s,” he said.
Mr Meagher said while his client didn’t want to use it as an excuse, it was a difficult time of year as it was the anniversary of the death of his young daughter. He said the man had taken tablets and “got in such a state his wife asked him to absent himself from the home”.
Mr Meagher said the man was very ashamed of himself and had no memory of the interaction with the elderly man.
“The court was minded to give him an opportunity back in July,” he said.
“He feels extremely ashamed that he finds himself back here now,” Mr Meagher told Judge Cody. He said the man intends to double down on his commitment to remain sober and out of trouble.
Judge Cody recalled the man saying, “I am begging you please don’t send me back to jail”.
He described the attempted theft from the elderly man as a “despicable act” and said the man “disrespects his daughter” by his behaviour.
The man said he wanted to talk and Judge Cody suggested he “bring a shovel” to dig a hole for himself.
“I did not try to rob an elderly man,” the accused insisted. In relation to the other offence, he said, “I got a loan of money and I took an extra €20.”
Judge Cody said he was now calling Gardai liars and he would get an additional two months on each of his sentences. He sentenced the man to 11 months for the incident involving the elderly man and five months consecutive for stealing €40. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal. Judge Cody commended retired Detective Garda McWey for her actions on the day.