Former Ukrainian soldier stole pink gin and whiskey in Portarlington

A former Ukrainian soldier appeared in Portlaoise District Court for stealing alcohol and intoxication. 

Myroslav Krynytskyl (32) of No Fixed Abode was accused of stealing two bottles of pink gin worth €52 from Aldi, Main Street, Portarlington on March 21 last.  He was also accused of stealing five bottles of whiskey and one bottle of gin valued at €133 from Lidl in Portarlington on March 14 and being intoxicated at The Sycamores, Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington on March 19, 2025.

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the accused was arrested in Portarlington on March 19 when gardai found him in an intoxicated state. “He attempted to walk away from Garda Burke and he was unable to do so,” he explained. The man was then arrested for his own safety, he explained. 

Sgt Hughes said the theft of five bottles of whiskey and one bottle of gin from Lidl Portarlington was captured on CCTV.   He said the theft of two bottles of gin from Aldi was also captured on CCTV. Sgt Hughes said the accused had 27 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had been in custody since June 6. She said the man had been married but was now separated. He had worked in a factory in a car plant but  during the war with Russia he was a soldier in the Ukrainian Army.  She said he was released from duty due to mental health difficulties and a head injury. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the man wasn’t in any trouble prior to his involvement in the war in Ukraine. She said his engagement with the probation services has been of benefit but he will be “starting from scratch” on release from custody. 

Judge Deirdre Gearty said he would need supervision in future. She sentenced him to two months in prison and backdated the sentence to June 9.