Judge tells Laois man his ‘recent thefts had become more expensive’
Portlaoise Courthouse
JUDGE Susan Fay noted that a man’s taste had “become more expensive” as a litany of thefts progressed when he came before her at last week’s sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
Jake Gibson (25), 22 St Michael’s Park, Portarlington pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft from a number of supermarkets in Portarlington and Portlaoise and to one count of possessing drugs for his own use on dates between March 2023 and February 2025.
The court heard that the goods that were taken mainly consisted of groceries, as well as cider and bottles of beer. The shops included Dunnes Stores, Kyle Centre, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise; Centra, Portarlington; and the Aldi store in Portarlington. The total cost of the goods taken amounted to €211, with very few items recovered for resale.
Mr Gibson was caught in possession of a small quantity of cannabis on the Ridge Road, Portlaoise on 3 May last year.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that at the time of the offences, his client had been homeless and struggling with addiction issues.
He said that in the past few months his client had shown a desire to engage with the state support services that had been offered to him to deal with his issues.
Mr Fitzgerald said: “While he’s battling uphill, he’s making every effort to deal with his issues. He’s asking the court to consider allowing him access a residential centre rather than give him a custodial sentence.” Addressing the court Mr Gibson said: “I want to apologise for the things I’ve done. I know it’s no excuse, but I want to apologise. That’s not the real me, with what I done. It was the addiction.” Judge Susan Fay asked if any of the stolen goods had been paid for since, to which Mr Gibson replied: “I’m on social welfare. I can make an agreement and pay back €10 a week.” “It’s very hard to keep a shop running with people coming in and stealing from it,” said the Judge, adding: “I note from his most recent thefts that his taste has become more expensive.” Noting that there was a “very positive probation report” before the court on the defendant, Judge Fay said she was adjourning the case and remanding Mr Gibson on continuing bail to 20 October on condition that he gathers up the money he owes and stays engaged with the probation services.
Judge Fay said: “If there are no further charges and the money is paid back, I will consider imposing a 12-month supervision order. The ball is now in your court Mr Gibson,” to which he replied: “I promise you, I’ll keep out of trouble.”
