Man accused of damaging parking meters in Laois seeks to visit Romania

A man accused of theft and criminal damage to parking meters in Portlaosie sought to vary his bail so he could visit his native Romania. 

Narcis Tudose (32) of 41 Finglas Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 is accused of damaging a parking meter belonging to Laois County Council and stealing €3,452.35 in coins at Nanny Kelly’s, Main Street, Portlaoise on November 13, 2024. 

He is further accused of stealing coins valued at €743 and damaging a parking meter at Doyles Shoe Shop, Main Street, Portlaoise and possession of implements including a crow bar, battery operated angle grinder and tools at Bridge Street Carpark on November 18, 2024.

Garda Inspector Joe Culliton said the defendant was alleged to have caused around €7,000 in damage to parking meters in Portlaosie. 

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court seeking to vary his bail to allow him to return to Romania where he said his mother was seriously ill with cancer of the brain. 

Insp Culliton objected to any variation of previously granted bail. 

“Our concern is if he leaves the country he won’t return,” said Insp Culliton. He said the man had told gardaí in an interview that he intended to leave the country. 

Nicholas Revilles BL said his client had been previously granted bail on very strict conditions which he was adhering to. He said the fact that he is requesting permission shows his intention to adhere to conditions. 

Judge Andrew Cody inspected documentation provided to show how ill the man’s mother is. 

“This would suggest she was diagnosed with a cerebral tumour in 2011,” said Judge Cody. 

Mr Revilles agreed but said the woman’s condition had deteriorated considerably.

Judge Cody noted the serious nature of the allegations and said he wouldn’t grant a variation on bail to allow the man to return home. 

However, he told Mr Revilles that he would consider the application again in the future but only if a cash lodgement of around €10,000 was provided.