Man who stole office equipment from Tesco in Laois had 100 previous convictions

A prison sentence was handed down to a man who admitted stealing office equipment from Tesco in Portlaoise. 

Fionan Lawlor (32) of 42 Cormack Drive, Nenagh, Co Tipperary appeared before Portlaoise District Court via videolink accused of stealing goods from Tesco, Laois Shopping Centre, Portlaoise on July 24 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had been stopped leaving the store by a member of staff. He said the man had 100 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty to the offence. He said the man had difficulties with drugs, in particular “street tablets”. 

“He is asking the court to deal with it as leniently as it can,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked if the goods had been recovered in saleable condition. 

Sgt Kirby said he didn’t have a note in relation to that. He said the goods were valued at €248. 

“It was recovered,” the defendant told Judge Cody. 

Noting the 100 previous convictions, Judge Cody imposed a two month prison sentence.