Man stole alcohol from Portlaoise Tesco
The man appeared before Portlaoise District Court
A man appeared in court accused of stealing alcohol from Tesco in Portlaoise.
Michael Buckingham (32) of Gracefield, Portarlington, appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court via videolink. He was accused of being intoxicated in public and stealing a vodka drink and a premixed can of alcohol from Tesco Extra in Portlaoise on May 30, 2026.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man walked into the store and stole the alcohol which was valued at €8.30 and left the store without attempting to pay. He said the man was “highly intoxicated” at the time and was arrested. Sgt Kirby said the goods were recovered in saleable condition and the defendant had 61 previous convictions.
The man told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that he wished to plead guilty.
Andrew Dunne BL said his client was “a very nice gentleman” who had difficulties with addiction.
“He had been doing quite well for approximately three weeks,” said Mr Dunne. He explained that the man had relapsed prior to the offending. He asked the court to take account of the guilty plea and the fact that the goods were recovered.
“He is a gentleman with difficulties,” repeated Mr Dunne.
Judge Susan Fay imposed a one month prison sentence which she back dated to May 31, the date the man went into custody. She granted legal aid in the case.