Burgled Laois school

A suspended sentence was handed down to a man who burgled a school in Laois. 

Francis Toohey, 21, of Dysart Beg, Mountrath burgled Mountrath Community School and stole a bicycle from Unit 2 Mountrath Industrial Estate on June 28 and 29 last. 

Sgt JJ Kirby said the man enter Portlaoise Community School and stole a handbag belonging to a cleaner. He said the bag was recovered but €25 was missing. He said a bike was also stolen and it had been recovered. Sgt Kirby said the man has three previous convictions. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client tells her he was heavily intoxicated at the time. She said “thankfully he didn’t frighten anybody.” 

He appreciates he is at risk of being incarcerated, she said. “He is in the checkout lounge now in terms of prison,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Andrew Cody fined the man €250 and sentenced him to three months suspended for two years. “Next time he is off to prison,” he warned.