‘Crime spree’ couple stole €2,500 groceries in four days

A couple admitted stealing groceries worth an estimated €2,500 during a four day ‘crime spree’ in Laois. 

Jordan Byrne, 22, and Daisy O’Connor, 22, both with an address at Derrylusk, Mountrath admitted stealing the items from Tesco and Dunnes Stores in Portlaoise in November of last year. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the pair entered Dunnes Stores in the Kyle Centre, filled their trolleys and left without paying for an estimated €800 worth of goods on November 2 last. 

On the same date, they stole alcohol valued at €71.85 from Tesco in Portlaoise.

Three days later on November 5, the pair entered Dunnes Stores and filled their trolleys before leaving with an estimated €1,000 worth of groceries. 

A day later they returned to Dunnes Stores in the Kyle Centre, filled their trolleys and left with €700 worth of goods. They are also accused of taking €70 worth of goods  from Tesco on the same date.  

Sgt Kirby said the female accused had no previous convictions while the man had three which he described as minor convictions under the Road Traffic Act. He estimated that the thefts had left Dunnes Stores at a loss of €2,500. 

Representing Mr Byrne, Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client had relocated to Laois from Dublin. He said the couple had been in financial difficulty as they had a newborn baby at the time of the offending. 

“Are you suggesting the baby was eating €2,500 worth of food?” asked Judge Cody. 

Mr Fitzgerald said his client was entering a plea at the earliest opportunity and had no previous record for this type of offending. He said he had letters of apology for the managers of the stores but his client was not in a position to make good on the loss at present.

Judge Cody asked for an explanation for the offending.

Mr Fitzgerald said there was “no logical explanation” but his client was entering an early plea. 

“We are not wasting the court's time and we are making a commitment to make good on the loss,” Mr Fitzgerald said. 

Representing the second defendant, Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick explained that her client had no buggy, steriliser or other necessities for her newborn. She said at the time her client was on the verge of losing her house and had been “terrified” of being made homeless with a young child. 

“She used this as an opportunity to provide for her baby,” she explained. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client has since secured work and with her partner had brought €200 to court. She said her client can pay €100 a week in compensation. 

Calling the offending serious, Judge Cody said it was,  “what can only be described as a crime spree over four days.”  

He noted that among the stolen items were alcohol and earbuds which have nothing to do with a child. 

Ms Fitzpatrick explained that the items had been stolen and sold in order to obtain money. 

“I accept they weren’t going to be providing for the child with alcohol and gift sets,” she said. 

Judge Cody adjourned the case until September 28 in order for the full amount of €2,500 to be paid to Dunnes Stores.