Man fined for wearing no face mask in Tesco in Laois town

A man who wore no face mask in Tesco was told to pay €50 to Hospice at Portlaoise district court on Thursday. 

James Heffernan, 26, of 1 Bridge Street, Portlaoise was charged with wearing no face covering at Tesco, Laois Shopping Centre on February 2, 2021. 

Judge Miriam Walsh noted that Mr Heffernan was wearing one for his court appearance. She compared it to closing the stable door after the horse had bolted. 

Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy said that Mr Heffernan did take masks seriously. On the day in question his mask had snapped and he took a chance going into Tesco. He was recently out of prison and was living with his mother. 

Judge Walsh ordered the payment to Hospice.