Good Samaritan's phone stolen after giving a man a lift in the rain in Laois

A ‘good Samaritan’ had her phone stolen after she gave a lift to a man in the rain. 

Francis Tuohy(24) of 17 Whitehorse View, Mountrath, admitted stealing a black Samsung Galaxy mobile phone valued at €150 at Main Street, Mountrath on December 21 last. He also admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Whitehorse View on April 5, 2025. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a woman reported the theft of her mobile phone from her car. He said she had given a lift to a man from Portlaoise to his hometown Mountrath and he took the phone “from the centre of the vehicle and fled on foot” on the date in question. 

The woman didn’t know the man. She “picked up this man because it was cold and wet. A good Samaritan,” explained Sgt Kirby.  

He said the defendant was identified through the good work of Garda Hogan and the phone was recovered. The accused was taken to Abbeyleix Garda Station where he made admissions, said Sgt Kirby. 

In relation to the public order offences, Sgt Kirby said the defendant was arrested at Whitehorse View on April 5 at 9.47am. He said the man was causing a disturbance. “He started shouting and cursing,” he stated. He said the man had 23 previous convictions which mainly related to public order offences. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said the phone was recovered within three hours. “He did take it when he was under the influence of tablets,” she said.  She said her client suffers with mental health difficulties and he intended to return the phone. 

Judge Susan Fay said “it is a really, really horrible offence, stealing her phone”.

She requested a victim impact statement, restorative justice and a probation report. She told Ms Fitzpatrick that she was strongly considering a prison sentence and the man should have his bag packed on the next occasion if he hasn’t engaged with the services. She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 11.