Laois man stole groceries from Dunnes Store, Portlaoise
Dunnes Stores at the Kyle Shopping Centre, Portlaoise
A LAOIS man who stole groceries from a local store was convicted of theft at last week’s sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
Joe Nevin (58), Mountain View Square, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to the theft of €115.78 worth of groceries from Dunne Stores, The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise on 5 October.
Garda Sgt Kirby said the defendant, along with another person, went into the store. He said Mr Nevin filled two bags with items and left without paying for the goods. He said Mr Nevin was identified by the store’s CCTV camera footage.
Defending solicitor Josehine Fitzpatrick said that her client had brought €120 to court to compensate the shop for its loss.
She said that Mr Nevin suffers from a medical condition and that at the time, a tragic incident that he had come across had “brought him down a difficult avenue.” Ms Fitzpatrick said that despite his actions on the day, her client “is still allowed back into the shop.” Judge Andrew Gubbins said the actions of Mr Nevin on the day “doesn’t merit a custodial sentence.” He went on to convict the defendant of the offence, fined him €200 and allowed him 12 months to pay the fine.
Free legal aid was also assigned to Ms Fitzpatrick.
