Portlaoise Court: Man broke into garda station in Laois
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who broke into a garda station and broke into a house in Durrow was ordered to undergo a probation report with a view to carrying out a community service order.
Stephen Kelly (34) from 21 Church Avenue, Castle comer, Co, Kilkenny appeared before Portlaoise District Court charged with burglary of Durrow Garda Station and with theft from a premises, both in Durrow on 28 April.
He pleaded guilty to the charges.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that the defendant took pepper spray, a baton and a garda belt from the garda station.
He said that Mr Kelly had 63 previous convictions, of which seven were for burglaries.
Defence solicitor Philip Meagher said that the garda station was un manned at the time because it was undergoing renovations.
He said that Mr Kelly had just been released after serving a sentence and was in a transient situation and living a chronic lifestyle when the offences took place. He said the items that he took were of absolutely no benefit to him.
Mr Meagher said that Mr Kelly was now living a more stable lifestyle in accommodation and has secured employment.
“He now wants to prove himself to his fiancé and to his family,” said Mr Meagher.
Judge Deirdre Gearty remanded Mr Kelly on continuing bail and adjourned the case to 7 April.
In the meantime, she ordered that he undergoes a probation report to determine whether he is a suitable candidate to carry out a community service order.
