Judge tells man to 'stop being a nuisance'

A man who stole from Portlaoise shops and doesn’t like ‘touching trolleys’ was told to stop being a ‘nuisance’ in court. 

Paul Scully, 40, of Pallas Big, Portlaoise admitted to thefts from Lidl and Tesco in Portlaoise on dates in August 2022 and January 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man took a welding magnet and first aid kit valued at €14 from Lidl January 13 last.  Two days earlier he took chicken products valued at €8.53. 

On August 30 he took miscellaneous items valued at €21 from Tesco in Portlaoise while on August 31 he stole groceries valued at €111.53.  

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client has no previous convictions for thefts. He said his client would have mental health issues. 

“He has conjured up the money to make good,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

“I have OCD and I do use my own bag,” the defendant told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

“I don’t like touching trolleys,” he added. 

Mr Fitzgerald said his client appeared to be saying it wasn’t his intention to leave the stores with the goods. 

“It is a modus operandi that has to stop,” said Judge Andrew Cody. 

He gave the man a three month sentence which he suspended for two years. 

“You need to stop being a nuisance," the Judge told the defendant.