Pensioner stole lights from grave in Laois

Portlaoise District Court was told a pensioner who stole lights from a grave is ‘remorseful’ following the offence.  

Kathleen O’Shea (79) of 6 Doonane Road, Crettyard, was found guilty of stealing two grave lights at Oakvale, Stradbally on dates between August 1 and December 16, 2024.  

She appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court where Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said a victim impact statement was available to the court. Mr Fitzgerald said the victim was in court and there was a probation report.  

Judge Susan Fay noted that both parties had engaged with restorative justice. 

Mr Fitzgerald said there was a very positive report in court. He said the woman had brought €100 to court.  He said the victim wanted the €100 to be donated to the Kolbe Special School.  

Judge Fay said she had read the probation and restorative justice reports and noted the defendant had engaged positively. She said it was evident that the defendant is remorseful about the offending.

Judge Fay said the “family of the deceased” had suggested that if the woman wanted to make amends she could donate €100 to Kolbe Special School. She said the money has been handed in to court. Judge Fay said the case had gone to a full hearing and she asked whether the woman had any previous convictions. 

Garda Sergeant JJ  Kirby said there were some “very old convictions” under the larceny act but he said they were so old they would be deemed “spent convictions”. 

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After the €100 had been handed over, Judge Fay said she would apply the probation act.