Teenager who “disappeared” from Laois court makes another appearance

A teenager who “disappeared from the court” before his case concluded last week returned to court this week. 

Ned Carthy (18) who is living in Portarlington but has an address at 16 Stradavoher Court, Thurles, Tipperary admitted making off without payment of €122.96 from Eddie Rockets, Laois Shopping Centre on June 26, 2022.

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where a probation officer explained that a week earlier Judge Susan Fay had requested a same-day community service assessment but “the client then disappeared from court” before the case was called again. 

The probation officer described the teenager’s intention to engage with probation services as “questionable” and was suggesting further assessment. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said “he had pleaded guilty before lunch. When it came back in the afternoon he wasn’t here.”  He said the defendant had seven previous convictions. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was now residing in Woodlands Park halting site in Portarlington.

“I got confused. I thought it was done. I was willing to do the community service,” the defendant explained. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was frightened at the prospect of having to serve time in custody. 

“I am minded to give him one more chance,” said Judge John Brennan. 

The probation officer said the address at Woodlands Park could be any of five properties. 

“It is in the back of the halting site,” the defendant told the probation officer. 

Judge Brennan fixed bail and said “if he hadn’t pleaded guilty he would be remanded in custody.”  He asked that a bay number or more specific address be provided if there is a number. The defendant was also required to provide a contact number. 

Judge Brennan granted legal aid and remanded the man on bail to reappear before Portlaoise District Court on March 24 for a community service report.