Jail for stealing yoghurt, rum and shortbread in Laois

A homeless man who asked to be jailed was given a prison term for stealing yoghurt, rum and shortbread. 

Patrick Kelly (28) with an address at Gort Na Noir, Abbeyleix, appeared in court accused of stealing a yoghurt valued at €1.75 from Dealz, Laois Shopping Centre, Portlaoise and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Dealz on August 24, 2024. He was also accused of stealing a bottle of Captain Morgans rum and two packets of shortbread valued at €28.90 from Dunnes Stores, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on January 24 last.

Garda Austin Cleere said the defendant has no fixed abode at present and was formerly of Gort na Noir, Abbeyleix.   

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty to the offending.  “He would be keen for the court to impose a sentence,” she said.  

“Six months or whatever, cause at the moment I am living on the streets,” the man told Judge Andrew Cody. 

Judge Cody said he was not going to impose six months and he said there needed to be proportionality in sentencing. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby outlined the incidents. He said the man had stolen rum and shortbread from Dunnes Stores on January 24 and yoghurt from Dealz on August 24, 2024. “On the same date he took the yoghurt he became obstreperous and had to be arrested,” said Sgt Kirby. He said the man had 33 previous convictions. 

Ms Fitzpatrick described the case as a sad state of affairs. “He just needs help and can’t get it outside the four walls,” she remarked. 

Judge Cody again said that there had to be a sense of proportionality. He “somewhat reluctantly” imposed a one month prison sentence for stealing from Dealz and a further month in prison for the theft from Dunnes Stores.