Man is ‘becoming a nuisance’ in Portlaoise

A man admitted stealing food and alcohol from shops around Portlaoise. 

Desmond Martyn, 42, of 1 Lake Gardens, Kilminchy, Portlaoise stole a bottle of vodka valued at €22 from Lidl in Portlaoise on June 20, 2022. He stole a second bottle of vodka valued at €22 from Lidl in Portlaoise on July 1, 2022. He stole two bottles of Minke Vodka, with a combined value of €68 on July 5, 2022. 

The defendant was also accused of being intoxicated at Ridge Road on May 17, 2023 and being intoxicated in Laois Shopping Centre on May 24, 2023. He was further accused of stealing a €4.50 sandwich and €5.50 takeout dinner from Downey’s Centra in Portlaoise on August 17, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said one of the bottles of vodka from Lidl was recovered. He said the man was arrested in Laois Shopping Centre at 3.15pm on May 24.  

“He was a danger to himself and the public,” said Sgt Kirby.  

He said the man had 12 previous convictions but the most recent dates back to 2017. He told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the man was “becoming a nuisance again”. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said alcohol was central to his client’s offending. 

“It is a byproduct of his alcoholism that he offends,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

“Sounds like he needs a babysitter,” said Judge Nicola Andrews. 

Mr Fitzgerald said the man is a chronic alcoholic. He said the man had been in a treatment centre for a number of weeks but unfortunately relapsed. He explained that the man also had issues with aspergers and ADHD. 

“His mother contacted me last week, she penned a letter,” he said. 

Mr Fitzgerald said the best way to deal with the offending would be to address the underlying alcoholism. He suggested the involvement of the probation services. 

“His parents are elderly and they are looking for some assistance,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

Judge Andrews said she would note the plea of guilty and refer the case to the probation services. She adjourned the matter until May 27 for a probation report. 

She warned the defendant that she would “deal with him accordingly” if he failed to engage with the probation services.