Man stole sweets and beer in Laois during ‘binge’

A man stole sweets and beer during an ‘alcohol fuelled binge’  in Portlaoise. 

James Dwane (45) of 39 Higgins Park, Fairgreen, Portlaoise, admitted taking confectionery valued at €33.57 and beer valued at €16 from Tesco Extra in Portlaoise on March 15, 2025.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the items were recovered in resalable condition. 

He said the defendant had a number of previous convictions but they were mainly related to road traffic offences. “He hasn’t come to garda attention in a long time,” said Sgt Kirby. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the defendant had “consumed a lot of spirits” before he went into Tesco. “Effectively he was in the midst of a binge,” he explained. 

Mr Fitzgerald described it as “an alcohol fuelled binge” and said there was no loss to the shop as the goods were recovered in a saleable condition. 

“The defendant would say he drinks rarely but when he does it may be an issue,” he said. 

Judge Susan Fay said she would refer the defendant to the Athy Alternative Project and she adjourned the matter to Portlaoise District Court on September 8.