‘Despicable’ theft from elderly man in Portlaoise

 A man was jailed for a “despicable” theft from an elderly man in Portlaoise. 

Paul O’Shea, 59, with an address at 37 Oakleaf Place, Knockmay, Portlaoise admitted to a charge of theft at Portlaoise Shopping Centre on April 19.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that an elderly man had reported that his bag containing a phone and passport had been stolen. On viewing CCTV, Gardai identified the accused.

Sgt Kirby said the accused was in possession of the phone when arrested in Lyster Square that day. The passport was thrown in a bin with the bag and never recovered, he said. 

The victim was an elderly man, said Sgt Kirby, who estimated the man would be in his late 70s. 

He said the defendant has a “litany of convictions” and had been “a prolific burglar” but wouldn’t have committed violent crimes. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was admitting guilt. 

“The unfortunate victim had left his bag down to the side and was distracted,” she said. 

Her client was arrested within an hour of the bag being taken, she said. 

Acknowledging that it was a “mean act,” Ms Fitzpatrick said her client, who was on disability, had gathered up €400 and written a letter of apology. She said his life had been blighted with heroin addiction and he had come from a family of 17, who wouldn’t have been well off. 

“Stealing a bag from an elderly man is just bang out of order,” she accepted. 

Judge Andrew Cody said he took the offer of €400 as “an insult” in light of the impact the crime would have on the victim.

“I know the effect that such a crime has on an elderly victim,” said Judge Cody. 

He said such a crime takes away a man’s confidence and has a lasting effect.

He described it as “a despicable act on an elderly gentleman and the people of Portlaoise deserve a lot more than €400 being thrown at them,” said Judge Cody. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said it was all the money her client had. She reminded the judge that the man had entered a guilty plea at an early stage.

Judge Cody jailed the man for six months but he suspended the final three months for two years.

He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.