'Handyman' receives 200 hours of community service over prison time
Waterford Courthouse.
A man who stole from a woman's house has received 200 hours community service in lieu of six months imprisonment.
Grzegorz Przybylak, of Mount Suir Manor, Waterford City, appeared before Judge Christopher Callan recently to appeal the severity of his sentence.
On November 23, 2024, Przybylak (40) stole from a woman's house in the city after she had hired him as a handyman. He stole her car key, jewellery and cash from the house. When the woman returned to her home, she could see the accused walking away from the scene. She entered her home to find that no work had been done and that she had been robbed.
Gardaí were quickly able to apprehend Przybylak. They were also able to recover the jewellery from a local pawn shop. The losses were valued at €1,700, which was eventually paid back.
In her victim impact statement, the woman said that her home had been "violated" and the incident affected her both emotionally and financially.
In June 2025, the court heard that the defendant had a newborn baby at home and was worried about money. He was struggling with gambling at the time and immediately lost money betting €250 at the bookies. He is now in gainful employment and attends meetings to help with gambling addiction.
At the District Court of Appeal, defence counsel Tara Geoghegan BL said that he had a positive probation report and had paid back the victim.
Judge Callan said to the defendant: "What you did was wrong. It was a complete breach of trust and that had a significant impact on the victim. Do you understand that?"
Przybylak replied: "Yes."
Przybylak was given 12 months to complete his Community Service order.
