Portlaoise soccer club burglar requests jail sentence

A drug addict asked to be jailed for burgling a Portlaoise soccer club. 

Justin Green, 32, of 64 O’Moore Place, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to burglary, Portlaoise AFC Rossleighan, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on November 15 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant broke the lock of a security gate and kicked in an internal door before “rummaging through drawers” at the club at 2.30am on the night in question. He said nothing was stolen. 

Sgt Kirby said the man, who had 27 previous convictions, was identified on CCTV. 

“I have an unusual application, subject to directions,” said Solicitor Josepine Fitzpatrick. 

“He has a serious heroin and cocaine addiction,” she told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

She said her client had gone without a conviction since 2019 but “his demons caught up with him” and he needs help.

“He is hoping that he will get the rehabilitation that he needs within the confines of a prison,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked if it was possible for him to get treatment without being jailed. 

“I tried the last two months,” the defendant replied. 

“It was his first request to me,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

“It is unusual, judge, but it means that the gardai have to go to no trouble in terms of prosecution,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Cody jailed the man for six months with the final three suspended for two years. At the request of Ms Fitzpatrick, he ordered that the man be placed under supervision of the probation services for 12 months post release. He granted legal aid in the case.