Man ordered to stay out of all Dunnes Stores shops in large Midlands town

A man was granted bail on condition he stay out of all Dunnes Stores outlets in Portlaoise. 

Jake Gibson (25) of 22 St Michael’s Park, Portarlington is accused of stealing items from Dunnes Stores on the Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on February 14 and 21, 2025 and from Dunnes Stores in the Kyle Centre on February 15 and January 29, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it would be alleged that the defendant stole goods valued at €65.19 from Dunnes Stores, Mountmellick Road on February 14 and goods to the value of €12.55 on February 21, 2025.

Sgt Kirby said it was alleged that on January 29, the defendant took goods valued at €35.60 from Dunnes Stores, Kyle Centre, Portlaoise and goods valued at €26.65 from the same store on February 15, 2025. 

He asked that the defendant “stay out of all Dunnes Stores in the Portlaoise area” as a condition of his bail. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald requested a couple of weeks to analyse disclosure in the case. 

On hearing the allegations, Judge Susan Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case. 

She asked Mr Fitzgerald if his client was willing to stay out of all Dunnes Stores premises in Portlaoise. 

Mr Fitzgerald confirmed that his client was willing to abide by the bail condition. He noted there were four separate theft allegations and he said the defendant was welfare dependent as he requested legal aid. 

Judge Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on April 14 for a plea or a date for hearing.