Elderly Laois woman’s independence lost after car stolen

An 83 year-old woman who lives alone detailed the loss of her sense of safety and independence due to her car being stolen by joyriders in Laois.

Shane Ward (19) of Clonad, Portlaoise, pleaded guilty to the unlawful taking of a car at Dublin Road, Portlaoise between May 28 and May 29, 2025.

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was pleading guilty and had engaged with restorative justice. She said her client had taken the car and there was some damage caused to it but it had been covered by insurance. After the incident the woman decided to get another car and that cost an additional €2,500, Ms Fitzpatrick explained.

She said the “enhanced car” cost additional money and her client had been regularly dropping into her office and had gathered a sum of €750. However, she said the insurance company had paid out for the old car and she questioned whether her client was liable for the full €2,500.

“He has not come to Garda attention since this happened,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

Judge Andrew Gubbins asked Ms Fitzpatrick if her client had read the victim impact statement. He read from it to give an outline of the impact the crime had.

“I am an 83 year-old woman and until this incident I lived an independent life in my own home,” the woman stated.

She said the car had been taken from outside her home and she no longer felt safe in her own bedroom. She explained that the car was used for shopping and medical appointments and social occasions and the impact of its loss had been significant.

“This incident has taken away my peace of mind and my safety,” the woman, who wasn’t in court, stated in her victim impact statement.

“Does your client understand?” asked Judge Gubbins. “Was it for a joyride?” he asked.

“He can have no excuse for driving it on the night in question,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

Judge Gubbins asked how long the woman was left without a car following the incident.

“He did make full admissions and cooperated with Gardaí,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

“I doubt it was a coincidence that an 83 year-old woman was the target of the theft,” said Judge Gubbins.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the woman appeared to have been without her car for two weeks after the incident. He explained that the car had to undergo forensic examination.

“I want him to understand the effect that this has had on an 83 year-old woman,” said Judge Gubbins.

The teenager took to the stand and gave evidence.

Ms Fitzpatrick said he made full admissions to driving the car. “You didn’t take the car,” she said. She said the woman’s “whole life of independence” was taken. “Yeh, I know,” he stated.

What have you learned from this? Ms Fitzpatrick asked. “I know right from wrong,” he said. “I’m sorry,” he added.

Judge Gubbins asked him about driving the car. “It was taken for a joyride?” The teenager replied, “kind of”.

“Was there ever an approach to see would she like restorative justice?” asked Judge Gubbins. Ms Fitzpatrick said there was but the woman had declined the offer.

Sgt Kirby said he knew the defendant who played hurling and had been “a brilliant young sportsman” but who fell into the wrong company. “I am very disappointed with him,” he said.

Judge Gubbins said the teenager was driving the car and was not a passenger.

Ms Fitzpatrick said he had engaged positively and she said he had a sum of €750 in court. “His mother is here to support him,” she remarked.

Judge Gubbins said he wanted the man to bring a sum of €1,000 to court. He said when the money is gathered it can be handed over to the woman.

He noted the man was young and said because of his age and immaturity he didn’t believe the man could understand the impact his actions have had on the woman. He noted he had worked well with restorative justice.

“I note what the sergeant has said about your prowess as a sportsman in younger years,” said Judge Gubbins, who suggested the teenager might redirect his energy back into sports.

He then imposed a two month sentence which he suspended for two years on condition he keeps the peace and is of good behaviour, pays €1,000 to the injured party within two months. He also ordered that the man engage with the probation services for training and employment for the next 12 months.