Ireland Man accused of possessing imitation firearm in Portarlington
Gardaí responded to reports of a man carrying a handgun in Portarlington, Co Laois, on Saturday 29 July 2023 and seized an imitation firearm from a man fitting the description. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of an imitation firearm, as reported on 31 July 2023. Vasililica Croitoru, 30, of 25 William Street, Waterford, was later accused in court of possessing the imitation firearm at St Brigid's Square and of stealing groceries worth €36 from Aldi, Main Street, Portarlington, on the same date, according to a report published 10 September 2023. The standfirst also says he was charged with false imprisonment and making death threats, which the body text does not describe. Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on 28 September.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrested31 Jul
- Chargednot reported
- In court8 Sep
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gardaí responded to reports of a man carrying a handgun in Portarlington.
- Where
- The incident took place in Portarlington, Co Laois.
- The imitation firearm possession is alleged to have taken place at St Brigid's Square, Portarlington.
- The alleged theft was from Aldi on Main Street, Portarlington, on the same date.
- When
- The incident happened on Saturday 29 July 2023.
- Weapon
- Gardaí spotted a man fitting the description in the area and seized an imitation firearm.
- Investigation
- A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of the imitation firearm, as reported on 31 July 2023.
- Charges
- The accused is charged with possession of an imitation firearm.
- The accused is charged with theft of groceries valued at €36 from Aldi.
- The standfirst says the man is charged with false imprisonment and making death threats, but the body text does not describe these charges.
- In court
- A court report published 10 September 2023 says Vasililica Croitoru, 30, appeared in court accused of theft and possession of an imitation firearm in Laois.
- Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on 28 September.
- Other details
- The accused has an address at 25 William Street, Waterford.
15 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGardaí spotted a man fitting the description and seized an imitation firearm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe incident took place in Portarlington, Co Laois. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe imitation firearm possession is alleged to have taken place at St Brigid's Square, Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whereThe alleged theft was from Aldi on Main Street, Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on a Saturday, with the report published on 31 July 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe alleged firearm possession took place on July 29. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- investigationGardaí responded to reports of a man carrying a handgun. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThe man was arrested for possession of the imitation firearm and on suspicion of theft. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThe accused is charged with possession of an imitation firearm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThe accused is charged with theft of groceries valued at €36 from Aldi. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeThe standfirst says the man is charged with false imprisonment and making death threats. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe man was expected to appear in court in connection with the incident. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtA man appeared in court accused of theft and possession of an imitation firearm in Laois. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Andrew Cody adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 28. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe accused has an address at 25 William Street, Waterford. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 8 Sep2023Man accused of possessing imitation firearm
First report of this incident in the existing list. The article gives the court appearance and adjournment. The standfirst mentions charges of false imprisonment and making death threats, which the body text does not describe.
accused, Vasililica Croitoru, 30, male, namedVasililica Croitoru - 31 Jul2023Laois Gardai arrest man and seize imitation handgun
Reports the arrest of a man in his 30s for possession of an imitation firearm and on suspicion of theft, the seizure of the imitation firearm, and that he was expected to appear in court. Gives his origin only as Eastern Europe, which is a region rather than a nationality.
suspect, 30s, male