Allegedly stole €1,345 from Department of Social Protection in Laois

A court was told that a man accused of stealing €1,345.50 from the Department of Social Protection was arrested at Dublin Airport. 

Ionel Horbas (26) with an address at 67 Cosby Avenue, Fairgreen, Portlaoise but who is now living in London, appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

He was accused of failing to pay a fine for not having a TV licence at the Portlaoise address and for stealing a total of €1,345.50 belonging to the Department of Social Protection at EBS, Main Street, Portlaoise on five dates between December 2020 and November 19, 2025. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked the man when he was going to pay a €220 fine for not having a TV licence in 2020. When he was told he would pay it “when I can”, Judge Cody remanded the defendant in custody. 

Detective Garda Karen Nevin said she had arrested the defendant at Dublin Airport and when cautioned and charged the man made no reply. She said she had received an alert to say he was flying in from the UK. 

“I am currently preparing a file for the DPP,” said Det Nevin. She asked that the case be adjourned to March 2026. 

Judge Cody asked Andrew Dunne BL about his client’s “attitude to paying for his TV licence five years ago?” 

Mr Dunne said his client hadn’t been aware of the fine. “That will be paid by the end of court today,” he said.

Det Nevin said the man had an address in the UK at New Road, Dagnam, London. She said she didn’t believe he currently had an Irish address. 

Judge Cody adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 23, 2026.