Volunteer burgled children's charity in Laois

A volunteer at a children’s charity was caught with crystal meth after he burgled the charity in Laois.  

Mateusz Werbanowski, 30, of Balladine Road, Abbeyleix admitted burglary and theft from Jack and Jill Charity Shop at Kea Lew Business and Retail Park in Portlaoise on October 6, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had been a staff member at the charity shop. He explained that the man became aware that cash was held in a safe upstairs.

Sgt Kirby said the man returned to the shop after hours and burgled the premises. He stole €1,625 in cash and dropped his Revolut card in the process. He said the man had a “serious gambling” addiction at the time and was also found in possession of drugs valued at €20. 

Judge Nicola Andrews asked if the money had been repaid. 

“No, because he had a gambling addiction,” explained Sgt Kirby. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client, who was from Poland, had no previous convictions. He said the man had dropped out of college and was on a TUS Scheme and had been working in the charity shop. 

Mr Fitzgerald said “the drug in question was crystal meth”, which he said was a very serious drug. 

He said his client wasn’t working at present but wasn’t work shy either. He said the man “didn’t waste time at interview” with gardaí and had admitted to the offences. He said the crime was born out of addiction but the man had since undergone treatment.

Judge Nicola Andrews commended the man for undergoing residential treatment but said he must repay the €1,625.

Judge Andrew said she would strike out the charges if the €1,625 was repaid to Jack and Jill on or before September 2, 2024. If the man fails to pay the money, she said he will be fined €1,500 and convicted. 

She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 2 for finalisation.