Businessman admits burgling apartment in Laois

A businessman admitted burgling the residence of a former employee in Portlaoise. 

Alexandru Avram (49) of Mizzoni Pizza, Fairgreen, Portlaoise, admitted to the charge of burglary at Lawlor Way, Fairgreen, Portlaoise between August 30 and 31 last. 

Detective Garda JP O’Brien said the defendant replied “I am sorry” when charged. He described the accused as a businessman who had no previous convictions. 

The defendant told Judge Susan Fay that he was “very drunk” when the offending occurred. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty and didn’t have any previous convictions. 

Det O’Brien said the accused had used keys to let himself into the apartment of an employee. He said the man had taken a playstation which had yet to be returned. He said the accused “left a window open to make it look like a burglary.” However, he later contacted the injured party and admitted what he had done, said Det O’Brien.   

Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report and an assessment of the man’s suitability for restorative justice. She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on January 26.