Man stole tools and money from vans in Laois

A man admitted stealing tools worth over €8,000 and €1,400 in cash from vehicles in Laois. 

Stefan Scurtu (44) 21 Rockboro Avenue, Ballintemple, Cork pleaded guilty to theft and interfering with vehicle charges at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

He stole tools worth over €8,000 from a vehicle at Balladine Heights, Abbeyleix between September 29 and 30, 2023. He also interfered with a vehicle at Sli Na Noir Abbeyleix on September 30, 2023. Between September 29 and 31 he took €1,400 cash, a Dewalt grinder, five batteries, a mini grinder, cordless drive and tools worth €1,480. The man also stole a bank card and he stole a chainsaw valued at €250 from a property at Fairways, Abbeyleix on a date between September 29 and October 1, 2023. 

Garda Diarmuid Ryan of Abbeyleix Garda Station said the defendant made no reply to the charges. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty to all of the offences. 

Garda Ryan said the accused entered five vehicles and removed items from all but one of them. He said one victim had tools valued at €8,000 taken, another lost €1,400 in cash. A debit card was taken from one which was later used in Circle K, Ballacolla. 

Mr Fitzgerald said his client was serving a one year and nine month prison sentence which he was given in Tralee. He said the man made full admissions when arrested. 

Judge Susan Fay said she wanted victim impact statements in relation to the matter. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court for victim impact statements and finalisation. 

Judge Fay said the defendant can appear via videolink from the Midlands Prison on the next occasion. She granted legal aid to Mr Fitzgerald.