Courts / Laois / Report
Garda's good work saw stolen clothing returned to company
Summary
In County Laois, Robert Wojtanowicz, aged 41, was found with 25 large boxes of stolen industrial workwear from his former employer, K and S Industrial Supplies. He claimed he had permission to take the stock because it was damaged and unfit for sale, but the company's statement confirmed the items were in perfect condition. Wojtanowicz pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to recklessly possessing the goods, valued at €19,847, on 22 August 2017. He also faced a European arrest warrant for four minor road‑traffic offences dating back to 2012. Garda Shane Barry executed the warrant, discovered the boxes, and returned the goods to the company. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Wojtanowicz to a two‑year prison term, which she suspended on strict conditions, citing his cooperation and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The case highlighted the Gardaí's role in recovering the stolen stock.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda's good work saw stolen clothing returned to company. Charges or matters: having the items, valued at €19,847, being reckless as to whether they were stolen, at his home on August 22, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 22, 2017 Incident
- January 2016 Other
- April 2016 Other
- September 2016 Other
- June 2017 Other
- 2021-11-08 Publication
Why: Robert Wojtanowicz (41) told gardaí that he thought that he had permission to take the stock because it was damaged and not fit for sale. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: having the items, valued at €19,847, being reckless as to whether they were stolen, at his home on August 22, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Wojtanowicz to two years in prison but suspended it on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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