Stole alcohol and groceries worth over €1,700 from Laois shop

A man appeared in court accused of stealing over €1,700 in alcohol and groceries from a Laois supermarket. 

Silviu Alexandru Moraru (24) of 1 Yellow Clay Manor, Commons Road, Navan, Co Meath was accused of stealing alcohol valued at €1,165 from Dunnes Stores, Kyle Shopping Centre, Portlaoise on August 28, 2024 and groceries and alcohol valued at €565 from the same supermarket on April 26, 2025. 

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link from Cloverhill Prison. Solicitor Brian Duffy was appointed to represent him during the hearing. Following a brief consultation, Mr Duffy confirmed his client was pleading guilty to the offences. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said none of the goods were recovered following the thefts. 

Mr Duffy said his client was from Romania and has been living in Ireland for six years. He said the man was married and had three children and he had sold the goods he stole.  

“Effectively he stole those items to help feed his family,” he said. 

Mr Duffy said his client intends to attend with appropriate services in prison. He noted the man had  28 previous convictions.  “He  does need to get his act together”, he remarked. 

Judge Susan Fay noted the early plea of guilty but said the man’s previous convictions were “voluminous”. 

She sentenced the man to five months in prison but suspended the last two months for two years. She fixed recognisance in case of appeal and granted legal aid.