Stole rum and shortbread from Laois shop

A man admitted stealing a bottle of rum and two packs of shortbread from a shop in Portlaoise. 

Patrick Kelly (28) of 59 Gort Na Nóir, Abbeyleix admitted stealing a bottle of Captain Morgan’s rum and two packets of shortbread from Dunnes Stores, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on January 24, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he appreciated the early plea of guilty. He said the defendant went into the shop and took the items which were valued at €28.90 without paying. 

Sgt Kirby told Judge John Brennan that items weren’t recovered. He said the defendant had a lot of previous convictions and had “a rough upbringing” but hasn’t come to garda attention in a while. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said the offending had occurred on the week of his client's mother’s  anniversary. 

“He is a gentleman that would have had difficulty with substance abuse,” said Mr Meagher. 

He said the man had now distanced himself from Portlaoise and was living in Abbeyleix. 

Judge Brennan said while it was no excuse, the date of the offence gives it some context to the offending. “The shop will have to be compensated,” he said. 

He adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on March 24. 

“If the compensation is furnished in court on that day, probation act,” said Judge Brennan, who said the man would also be bound to the peace for 12 months. 

The default if no compensation is paid is a conviction and fine of €400 with five months to pay, he added. Judge Brennan granted legal aid and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 24.