Man stole woman’s suitcase from train in Portarlington

A man admitted stealing a rail passenger’s suitcase and trying to break it open at Portarlington Train Station.

Mohamed Gharbi (31) of Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Dublin pleaded guilty at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court to criminal damage and possession of stolen property at Portarlington Train Station on January 20, 2026.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man had taken a suitcase belonging to a lady who was travelling on the Dublin Heuston bound train on January 1, 2026. He said the man got off in Portarlington where he damaged the suitcase while attempting to open it. The damaged case was recovered by Gardaí along with its contents.

“The poor woman, her suitcase was gone for a while, judge,” explained Sgt Kirby.

He said the damage to the case was estimated at €100 and the accused had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was an Algerian national who was living in Ireland for the past nine months. He said he was attempting to get work and was being financially supported by his brother who lived abroad.

“He is renting in Athlone now with the assistance of his brother,” said Mr Meagher, who explained that his client wasn’t in receipt of any social welfare or income.

“It was a very mean thing to do, taking advantage of a lady travelling by herself,” said Mr Meagher.

He told the court that “thankfully” there had been no interaction between the accused and the injured party and the suitcase had been recovered along with the woman’s belongings. He said his client was pleading guilty and his client was willing to compensate the woman for the damage caused.

Judge Gubbins asked Sgt Kirby if the woman was a tourist and he was told she wasn’t and that she had a Dublin address. He said Gardaí would be able to get her contact details.

Judge Gubbins then granted legal aid and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on October 12 for payment of compensation and finalisation.