Man before Portlaoise District Court on 21st birthday

A man appeared in court on his 21st birthday in relation to theft and criminal damage in Portlaoise. 

Lee Dennehy, 21, of 25 Roselawn, Portlaoise had previously admitted to charges of criminal damage and theft and had been due in court to pay compensation. 

The charges related to the theft of Budweiser valued at €22.99 from Carryout, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on January 12, 2023 and of chocolate and soft drinks valued at €19.65 from Circle K in Portlaoise on November 1, 2022. He was further charged in relation to criminal damage to a car window in Market Square, Portlaoise on July 7, 2022. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said the accused was due to appear in court a week earlier to pay compensation but panicked and didn’t turn up.

“He simply was scared to turn up,” said Mr Meagher. He explained that his client was in receipt of €119 a week and didn’t have the necessary €250 compensation. 

“It is actually his 21st birthday today,” said Mr Meagher, who noted it was a “sad” way to spend it. 

He said his client had brought a sum of €140 to court but would need more time to get the rest of the compensation. 

Judge John Brennan remanded the defendant on bail and put the case back to April 27 for finalisation.