Charity donation saves Polish man from conviction for Limerick thefts

A POLISH man charged with two theft offences who made a donation to the court poor box has been spared a criminal record.

Lukasz Grabinski had an address at the time of the offences in March 2026 at Killarney Road, Abbeyfeale.

He returned from Poland for the hearing at Newcastle West District Court.

The court heard that he had returned to his native country following concerns about his health.

Mr Grabinski pleaded guilty to stealing alcohol to the value of €60.20 on March 8, 2026.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of Jameson whiskey worth €94 just four days later on March 12, 2026.

Both thefts occurred at Tesco in Abbeyfeale.

The court heard that the stolen items were recovered and that the shop did not lose the revenue.

In both cases, the man entered the store, selected the items and passed all points of payment without buying the items.

He has no previous conditions and has since moved back to his native Poland, but returned for the court appearance.

The 45-year-old married man told the court through an interpreter: “I regret very much what I have done.”

Judge Valerie Corcoran directed that a payment of €300 be made to the court poor box for Adapt House.

The judge said that she was willing to give the man a chance, as he no longer lives in the jurisdiction.

The money was paid that day and the matter was struck out, sparing him from a conviction and associated criminal record.

The judge said that it was struck out and she gave him the benefit of the doubt.