Man due for release from prison appears at Laois court

A man who was due to be released from prison had his sentence extended for stealing vodka and being intoxicated in a park in Portarlington. 

Patrick O’Brien (29) of 41 Kearney Drive, Tullamore, Co Offaly was arrested in the People’s Park in Portarlington on July 19, 2024. He was accused of stealing a bottle of vodka from Main Street, Portarlington on the same date. 

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he had been “highly intoxicated” while sitting on a bench in the People’s Park and drinking a bottle of vodka at around 8pm on the date in question. 

“He had the bottle of vodka on him and it transpired it was stolen from a local shop,” said Sgt Kirby. 

He told Judge Catherine Ryan that the vodka, which cost €28.50 wasn’t in resaleable condition as the man had drunk three quarters of the bottle. He said the man had 105 previous convictions.

Sgt Kirby said the man was serving a prison sentence and “his release date is actually today”. 

Andrew Dunne BL said his client had “extreme issues” regarding alcohol. He said the man had spent the last three months in prison and as a result has been unable to access alcohol. Mr Dunne asked the court not to impose a custodial sentence. 

Judge Ryan said she had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence given the number of previous convictions.

“So unfortunately Mr O’Brien you will have to stay for another while where you are,” said Judge Ryan as she handed down a one month sentence and granted legal aid.