Man admitted stealing from supermarkets in Portlaoise

A man who the court heard isn’t ‘a prolific shoplifter’ admitted four separate thefts from shops in Portlaoise. 

Paul Scully, 40, of Pallas Big, Portlaoise admitted to thefts from Lidl and Tesco in Portlaoise on dates in August 2022 and January 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man took property valued at €15 from Lidl January 13 last.  Two days earlier he took chicken products valued at €8.53. On August 30 he took miscellaneous items valued at €21 from Tesco in Portlaoise while on August 31 he stole groceries valued at €111.53.  

Sgt Kirby said the man was identified and made admissions after his arrest. He said the man has one previous conviction for drink driving in 2005.  

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client has no previous convictions for theft. 

“He has significant cognitive impairment difficulties,” he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

“He indicated in interview that he didn’t really know what he was engaging in,” Mr Fitzgerald explained in relation to the offending. 

“He is not a prolific shoplifter by any stretch of the imagination,” said Mr Fitzgerald. 

He said the total loss to the stores was in the region of €154 and his client had €50 with him in court. 

“We can make a commitment to pay all that back,” Mr Fitzgerald said. 

Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case until April 20 when he said the court would need a “significant incentive” to view the case more favourably.