Community service for ‘somewhat pathetic’ crimes in Laois

A man who was involved in a fatal road collision and developed a reliance on alcohol was given community service in lieu of prison time. 

Lee Dennehy (23) of 86 Rossvale, Portlaoise admitted stealing two bottles of Huzzar vodka valued at €42 from Mulhall’s SuperValu, Lyster Square Portlaoise on June 16, 2025. He took alcohol valued at €40 from Buckley’s Carryout, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on August 14, 2025 and he was intoxicated in public at Jessop Street, Portlaoise on October 28, 2024. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had a well known pattern of behaviour stemming from alcohol abuse. He said the man was “involved in a fatal road traffic accident” and had turned to alcohol. 

He described the man’s behaviour as “somewhat pathetic” and said the accused was walking into shops, taking alcohol and walking out without making any effort to conceal what he was doing. 

Mr Meagher said the man was now in a steady relationship and was actively looking for work. He said he had brought €82 of compensation to court.  

Judge Susan Fay noted the man had attended all six sessions of the Athy Alternative Project, had pleaded guilty and had compensation in court. She also noted he had been deemed suitable for community service. 

She sentenced him to 200 hours of community service in lieu of eight months in prison at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.