Man in Midlands stole hundreds of euro worth of unusual item from supermarket

A Mauritian national admitted stealing hundreds of euros worth of washing pods from a supermarket in Laois. 

Jaiyesh Parsad (26) of the Montague Hotel, Emo, admitted stealing goods with a total value of  €389.74 from Lidl in Portlaoise on four dates this year.  

On January 18 he stole Bold pods valued at €60 and on January  19 he took Fairy non bio  pods and Aerial pods valued at €150. On February 3 he took Bold pods valued at €34.47 and on February  9 he stole Irish Angus beef, Fairy pods, Aerial pods and Bold pods valued at €145.27. 

Brian Mallon BL told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that his client was pleading guilty to the four separate theft offences. 

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the guilty pleas were appreciated. He said the defendant was detained in Lidl on February 14 and investigations revealed he had stolen from the store on four separate occasions.  Sgt Kirby said no property had been recovered. 

Mr Mallon said his client would require around six weeks to come up with compensation for the shop. He said the man would appreciate the opportunity to do that. 

Mr Mallon said the man was originally from Mauritius and had arrived here as a refugee. He said the man had made efforts to secure work but had been unsuccessful. “He very much does wish to compensate the injured party,” he said. 

“He receives quite a low income from the State,” said Mr Mallon.  He said the man had fled Mauritius with his partner. 

Mr Mallon said the man had informed him that he had taken the items because he was finding it difficult to live on the payment of around €70 a week he received. 

Judge John Brennan asked why the man had fled Mauritius. 

Mr Mallon said he had some issues getting instructions but the man indicated “difficulties in the country” and Mr Mallon said, “I can’t put that any further.” 

Judge Brennan said he would note the guilty plea, grant legal aid and remanded the defendant on bail. 

He adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 9.