Man accused of stealing over €2,000 of fuel

A man appeared in court in Portlaoise accused of stealing diesel valued at €2,121. 

Ireneusz Piwowarczyk, 44, with an address at 4 Rossvale Court, Portlaoise is also accused of having no licence or insurance on five occasions last year. 

The defendant is accused of the theft of €368.19 diesel at J14 Monasterevin on April 17, 2022.  On the same date he is alleged to have stolen diesel valued at €557.83 from Dunnes Service Station on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise. On April 23, 2022 the defendant is alleged to have taken diesel valued at €9.99 from J14 Monasterevin and on the same date he is alleged to have stolen diesel valued at €626 from Texaco Spar on the Tullamore Road in Mountmellick and diesel valued at €609.79 from the Gandon Inn Service Station in Emo. The defendant is accused of not having a licence or insurance at any of the locations on each of the occasions.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the five theft matters are to be dealt with on indictment, meaning they will be heard in the higher circuit court and a book of evidence will be required.

Judge Andrew Cody assigned legal aid and adjourned the matter to Portlaoise District Court on July 20.