Found bank card in Laois and went on ‘spree’
The card was found in Lyster Square, Portlaoise
A woman admitted using a bank card she had found on the ground in Laois to pay for goods.
Bridget Williams, 20, of 16 Churchfield Gardens, Churchfield, Cork used a bank card to tap and pay for items from Egans Off Licence and the Bus Stop on JFL avenue on April 2, 2023.
Garda Daniel Sheehy said the injured party had made a complaint to Portlaoise Garda Station in relation to the use of her visa card.
The items included a €21 bus ticket and cigarettes in the Off Licence. The total value of the goods was just over €50, he said.
Garda Sheehy said he viewed CCTV and the defendant was identified and arrested. He said the woman admitted using the card and was cooperative.
Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was 20 and had no previous convictions. She cooperated with gardai and “she is supported here today by her family,” she said.
Ms Fitzpatrick said that between them they had brought a sum of €60 to court.
Addressing the accused, Judge Nicola Andrews said, “when you find something you hand it in… you don’t go around on a little spree.”
Judge Andrews said the €60 was to be given to the injured party and €200 should be donated to the court poor box by June 10. She said if the donation is made she would apply the probation act. If the money wasn’t paid, she said the defendant would be convicted and fined €500.