Offaly man fined after admitting that he stole fuel from Longford service station

A Offaly man, who admitted stealing fuel worth €30 from a local service station and driving off, has been convicted and fined.

Jamie Collins (21) of 56 Chancery Park Road, Tullamore pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the theft of the diesel on September 4, 2023.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the defendant carried out the offence at the Circle K service station, Battery Road in Longford and the incident was captured on CCTV. Mr Collins had nine previous convictions.

Solicitor Fiona Baxter said her client, a father of two young children, has a good work history and up until October 2024 he had been employed as a labourer all around the country.

She stated he had some family difficulties and that seemed to have a 'detrimental affect' on his mental health'.

"Prior to going into custody he was engaging with CADS (Community Alcohol and Drugs Service) and he is awaiting an assessment for ADHD. Ms Baxter said her client's parents are very supportive.

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"This is the first time he has spent any time in custody and that has been an eye-opening experience and it has had an effect.”

Ms Baxter said there was €30 in court to pay the injured party and she appealed to Judge Bernadette Owens to deal with him as leniently as possible and consider his young age.

Judge Owens considered the case and noted the defendant had no previous theft convictions and that he had offered compensation.

She convicted him and fined him €200 with four months to pay.