Man stole from Laois shop two days in a row

A man admitted stealing groceries from a shop in Portlaoise. 

James Keenan (27) of Meelagh View, Mahon, Blackrock, Cork, appeared before Portlaoise District Court via videolink from Cork Prison. 

He pleaded guilty to stealing groceries valued at €22.08 from McSorley’s Centra, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise on October 17 and €5 worth of groceries from the same store on October 18, 2024. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client wanted the case to proceed and there was a guilty plea. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a bench warrant had been issued for the man’s arrest a week earlier on February 9 and he appreciated the plea of guilty. He said no goods were recovered following the thefts and the defendant had 14 previous convictions. 

Judge Stephanie Coggans sentenced the man to five days in custody. She backdated the sentence and granted legal aid in the case.