Accused of burgling Laois veterinary practice

A man appeared in court accused of theft, obstruction and burgling a veterinary practice in Laois. 

Francis Tuohy (23) with addresses at 4 Old Forge Crescent, Mountrath and Dysart Beg, Mountrath was accused of stealing a tin with €200 in cash during a burglary at Portrane House in Portlaoise on July 17 last year. 

He was also accused of possession of cannabis, obstruction and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour at Newline Road, Mountrath on May 20, 2024. 

He was further accused of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and causing criminal damage to a white van on Patrick Street, Mountrath on June 27, 2023 and being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at the Accident and Emergency department of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise on July 18, 2023. 

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where Judge Nicola Andrews noted he hadn’t engaged with the probation services as directed. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused had been found in possession of €20 worth of cannabis on the Newline Road in Mountrath. He said the man had entered Portrane House and stolen the tin containing cash on July 17, 2023.  

In relation to the hospital, he said, “he was drunk and causing a disturbance up there, he had to be arrested.” 

Sgt Kirby said the man was topless, irate and shouting at a female in the People’s Park in Mountrath at 2pm on May 20, 2024. He said the man, who has 12 previous convictions, resisted arrest. 

Judge Andrews said she had referred the man to the probation services. 

“You didn’t bother to engage,” she said. 

Solicitor Josphine Fitzpatrick said her client was quite an immature man. 

“I gave him a chance to go off and engage with community services,” said Judge Andrews. 

Ms Fitzparick acknowledged that it appeared as though the man was showing “complete disregard for the court” but she said the man had been moving between addresses in Portlaoise and Ballinasloe. She said she suspected the probation services letters went to his mother’s address in Mountrath.  

“The real issue has been this rattling across and back,” she said.  

Judge Andrews ordered that he engage with the probation services and she put the matter back to November 11 and warned the defendant that he must engage.