Stole Absolut vodka from Laois shop on New Year’s eve

A man admitted stealing a bottle of Absolut vodka from Dunnes Stores in Portlaoise. 

Lee Dennehy (23) of 25 Roselawn, Portlaoise admitted taking the vodka from Dunnes Stores, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on December 31, 2024. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused walked into the shop at 1.50pm on New Year’s eve, took the bottle and left the shop without paying. He was identified on CCTV and was cooperative when arrested, said Sgt Kirby. He said the man had 13 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty. He said the man was single, living at home, on disability and doing a course in the adult learning centre. 

He said the man was a passenger in a car which was involved in a fatal collision near the Rock of Dunamaise. “Since then he has been suffering with his nerves,” said Mr Meagher. 

He told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that his client had been cooperative, had entered an early plea and made admissions when arrested. He said the man had also undertaken a five week course to deal with alcohol issues. 

He said the defendant “hasn’t come to any adverse attention in the last five weeks.” 

Judge Fay said the court had “indulged” the defendant on a number of occasions.   

She said she wasn’t happy to finalise the case without more information. She granted legal aid and requested an updated probation report and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 8.