Man damaged suitcase he took from train at Laois station

A man who damaged a suitcase he had taken from a train in Portarlington appeared in court with compensation for the damage.

Mohamad Gharbi (31) of Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Dublin, admitted possessing a stolen bag and causing criminal damage at Portlarlington Train Station on January 20 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby described the offence as “a nasty enough incident” and said €100 of compensation was due to be brought to Portlaoise District Court.

He said the man had stolen a woman’s suitcase and caused damage to the case while attempting to open it. He said the man didn’t have any previous convictions.

Solicitor Barry Duffy acknowledged it was an “inexcusable” act but said his client had brought €100 to court. He said the man was an Algerian man who is looking for work and being supported by his brother in France.

Judge Tom MacSharry described it as a “very nasty offence” and he told the man he was lucky as he applied Section 1 (2) of the Probation Act. He transferred legal aid, which had been assigned to Solicitor Philip Meagher, to Mr Duffy at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.