Thursday 5 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 29628Theft · Co. Laois · 8 Sep 2019

Man jailed for power washer theft in Abbeyleix

Shane Cawley, a 26-year-old man from Lucan, was charged with the theft of a power washer valued at €1,800 from Glenbawn Filling Station, Abbeyleix, on 8 September 2019. The victim, a man, told the court he was frustrated at items being taken from his property and did not want the defendant near the property again. Cawley, who had addiction difficulties, failed to engage fully with the Restorative Justice process. In October 2021, Portlaoise District Court sentenced him to six months' imprisonment, with recognisances fixed in the event of an appeal.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced15 Oct
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Shane Cawley, 26, of 3 Shackleton View, Lucan, was charged with theft of a power washer from Glenbawn Filling Station, Abbeyleix.
  • The stolen power washer was valued at €1,800.
When
The theft occurred on 8 September 2019.
Where
Glenbawn Filling Station, Abbeyleix, County Laois.
In court
The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court.
Sentence
Cawley was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, with recognisances fixed in the event of an appeal.
Other details
  • The victim, a man, said he was frustrated at items being taken from his property and did not want the defendant near the property again.
  • The defendant had addiction difficulties and had been spending his social welfare payments on drugs.
  • Defence counsel said the defendant was not in a position to pay €300 compensation but had recently found a job.
  • The defendant failed to engage fully with the Restorative Justice process.
6 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatShane Cawley, 26, of 3 Shackleton View, Lucan, was charged with theft of a power washer from Glenbawn Filling Station, Abbeyleix, on 8 September 2019 (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatThe stolen power washer was valued at €1,800 (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceRecognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherDefence counsel said the defendant was not in a position to pay €300 compensation but had recently found a job (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe victim is frustrated at items being taken from his property and does not want the defendant to come near the property again (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had addiction difficulties and had been spending his social welfare payments on drugs (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Oct2021
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Jail for Abbeyleix powerwasher theft for robber who didn't take the chance given by Judge

    Reports the sentencing of Shane Cawley to six months' imprisonment for theft of a power washer, noting his failure to engage with the Restorative Justice process and his addiction difficulties.

    convicted, Shane Cawley, 26, male, named, irish (judged from name)Shane Cawleyvictim, male