Woman interrupted man who stole wallet from car in Portlaoise

A woman interrupted a man who stole a wallet from a car in Portlaoise. 

Richard O’Shea (33) of 19 Clonrooske View, Portlaoise, admitted stealing a ladies wallet valued at €80 and interfering with a car at Roselawn, Portlaoise on February 9, 2026. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said “ a female interrupted this gentleman getting into her neighbour's vehicle. He left straight away”. 

Sgt Kirby said CCTV revealed the man  had gone into the car twice in four minutes and a Guess wallet was taken. He said the wallet was later found discarded. Sgt Kirby said that although the man had 75 previous convictions, he had been doing very well lately. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that his client was pleading guilty.

Judge Susan Fay requested a victim impact statement and a probation report. 

Mr Meagher asked if she might consider relaxing the man’s bail curfew in order that he attend treatment. He said he was undergoing an intensive 90 meetings in 90 days programme and needed more time flexibility to attend. 

Sgt Kirby said he had no issue and he expressed a hope that the offending was “just a slip” on behalf of the accused. 

Judge Fay relaxed the curfew and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 14.