Longford District Court: Opportunity to avoid conviction

A defendant who used a bank card he found to make purchases in two stores was given an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction if he makes a charity donation before next October.

Robert Pohlodko (46) of 31 Cluain Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford was charged with three thefts relating to the use of a debit card.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the injured party left their card in a bank machine after making a withdrawal on February 28, 2023.

CCTV from the bank machine showed Mr Pohlodko take the bank card. The defendant then went to the The Kiosk on Dublin Street Longford and made purchases of €20.40, he next went to Spar on the town's Main Street and made purchases of €15.80.

The defendant was also charged with the theft of the debit card which is valued at €10.

Mr Pohlodko, had been living in Ireland for one year and seven months at the time and has no previous convictions.

Solicitor John Quinn told the court his client works as a cleaner and brought the €47 into court. Mr Quinn pointed out the defendant made full admissions in interview and entered an early plea to the charges.

Judge Bernadette Owens said if Mr Pohlodko makes a payment of €250 to the Lus na Gréine Family Resource Centre she would leave him without a criminal conviction. The matter was adjourned to October 3 to give the defendant time to make the payment.