Man whose life marred by horrific tragedy jailed for spate of thefts

Judge Staunton said: 'To say that his life has been marred by tragedy is not an understatement'
Man whose life marred by horrific tragedy jailed for spate of thefts

Bryan is said to have 195 previous convictions.

A man appeared in court his week on multiple charges related to theft in Waterford City. 

Laurence Bryan (45), of Brookview, Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24, stood before Judge Kevin Staunton on six charges that occurred within a one-week period.

On May 3, 2026, he stole property to the value of €39.99 from TK Maxx in Poleberry. The next day, he stole a hoover worth €205 from Homesaver's in Ballybricken. 

On May 7, Bryan stole 27 bottles of alcohol from Aldi on Ashe Road, Waterford. On the same day he stole an orange 'Energetics' shirt worth €12 from Elvery's store on Michael Street.

On May 8 he committed trespassing at McDonald's on the Cork Road, while in possession of a stolen "black pedal cycle". 

Tragedy

Solicitor Derrick Connors told the Judge that Bryan had a "life marred by tragedy", having witnessed his sister being killed by a bus in Dublin when he was a child. According to Mr. Connors, his brother was murdered in 2007 after being stabbed 19 times at a party. 

Mr. Connors said that his client had found "some stability" in Waterford but struggled with substance misuse. 

"He's in a constant loop," he said. The court heard that Bryan had 195 previous convictions. 

Judge Staunton said: "To say that his life has been marred by tragedy is not an understatement". 

Bryan was sentenced to nine months in prison. 

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme

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