Stole scooter from Portlaoise Train Station 

A man appeared in court for stealing a student’s electric scooter from Portlaoise Train Station. 

Raymond Considine, 37, of Woodlands Park, Canal Road, Portarlington admitted taking the scooter before boarding a train on September 20, 2021. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at the Portlaoise Train Station at 5.15pm. He said the electric scooter belonged to a student who used it to commute. The scooter, which was valued at €300, was recovered after gardai identified the suspect. The accused has two previous convictions, one for theft and one for handling stolen property, he said.   

Solicitor Philip Meagher said the man had been drinking in Portlaoise and was on his way home when he noticed the scooter and in a “spur of a moment” decision took it onto the train. 

“I understand it was returned in the exact same condition,” he remarked. 

Mr Meagher said his client, who isn’t currently working, is doing courses and had brought a letter from the Laois Traveller Action group. He said the accused had cooperated fully and wished to apologise. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked Mr Meagher if his client wanted to persuade the court to show indulgence? 

Mr Meagher said if given a couple of months a contribution could be made. 

Sgt Kirby reminded the court that the young man who had his bike taken is a student. 

“Subject to the payment of €300 to be forwarded to the student in question within two months I will strike out,” he remarked. 

Adjourning the matter to April 13, Judge Cody said if compensation wasn’t paid by then the man would receive a one month sentence suspended for two years.