Man stole cider and rum from Laois shop

A man admitted stealing alcohol and public order offences in Mountrath. 

Anthony Doheny, 45, with an address at 4 Whitehorse Lodge, Portlaoise Road, Mountrath admitted stealing alcohol from  Mighty Molls shop in Mountrath on two dates in November 2021. He also admitted being intoxicated in Mountrath in July 2022 and in November 2021. 

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the defendant stole alcohol from Mighty Molls on November 28, 2021 at 8pm and on November 29, 2021 at 2pm. He said he took a bottle of Captain Morgans, two bottles of Linden Village and an eight pack of Bulmers. He said none of the property was recovered. 

Sgt Kirby said the man was arrested for public intoxication on November 11, 2021 and a fine was issued but went unpaid. 

On July 9, 2022, gardai were called to Main  Street, Mountrath where the defendant was lying on the ground. The man was “dragging his feet” and refusing to walk, Sgt Kirby said. 

He said the defendant has six previous convictions. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client is now sober for a number of months. 

“All the troubles stem from his addiction to alcohol,” she said. 

“His reliance on alcohol is by no means helping his mental health or his physical health,” she said. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said another man had taken the defendant under his wing and was helping him recover. 

“He would readily admit that he hasn’t thus far dealt with the matter very well,” she said. 

 She said the man was the victim of a serious assault last year.

“It does seem that he has turned a corner,” she remarked. She said the defendant had written a letter of apology and brought €50 to court for Mighty Molls. 

Judge Andrew Cody directed that the money be given to Mighty Molls and he sentenced the man to three months in prison which he suspended for three years.