Man convicted of theft after demanding refund for unpaid heater in Portlaoise

A man was convicted in Portlaoise District Court for theft after attempting to obtain a refund for a heater he had not purchased.

Thomas Reilly, 31, of Beaupark Mews, Clongriffin, Dublin 13, pleaded guilty to the offence that occurred on 26 July 2023 at an Aldi store on Kylekiproe Road, Portlaoise.

According to Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby, Reilly entered the store, took a €70 heater to the checkout and asked for a refund despite not having paid for it. When staff refused, he left the premises with the heater under his arm before being apprehended; the heater was later recovered.

Reilly admitted the incident to the garda and the court was informed he has 16 previous convictions. His solicitor, Philip Meagher, said Reilly was experiencing financial difficulties and was living with his in‑laws in Portlaoise at the time. The heater was returned in its box in a resaleable condition.

Judge Andrew Gubbins found Reilly guilty, imposed a €200 fine and ordered him to pay it within six months.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Fabnel LDN / Pexels.