Stole tips and threatened Portlaoise pizzeria staff with knife

A man admitted stealing a tip jar and pulling a knife on staff at a pizzeria in Portlaoise. 

Jamie Kearns (21) of 22 Cosby Avenue, Portlaoise, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of stealing a tip jar and producing a knife at Chequers, Fairgreen, Portlaoise on May 11 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant threatened staff at Chequers with a green handled knife on May 11. He said the man stole from a tip jar and went and sat in a booth in the restaurant. When confronted he asked for a can of coke and then threatened staff. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had gone to a booth and his behaviour was indicative of somebody who was “having an episode” or some sort. 

Judge Susan Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case.

Mr Meagher said his client was on a waiting list for treatment for addiction. He said the man was present in court with his father. He also said the court might want the benefit of a victim impact statement from staff at the pizzeria.  

Judge Susan Fay said she would canvass an order for restorative justice and canvass a victim impact statement. She ordered a probation report and remanded the defendant on bail to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on June 15.