Man stole power washer and generator from Louth hire company, court heard

A father-of-seven who set up an account that was used to hire a power washer and a generator worth €3,000 that were never returned, has had his case adjourned at Dundalk Circuit Court so he can be assessed for community service.

The court heard last Wednesday that Laurentiu Baiculescu with an address at the time at Carroll Village, Dundalk was one of two men who entered KC Hire on Quay Street, Dundalk on February 28th 2023 and indicated they wanted to set up an account.

He gave an address on St. Alphonsus Road and provided a phone number and an email address.

They initially hired a power washer and returned later in the day and hired a generator, leaving in the same vehicle each time a black Nissan Qashquai.

However, they were never returned and the company was unable to make contact with them by phone or email and a member of staff had called to the address that was given.

When he was arrested the following September, the defendant said he would pay the money back by instalments and accepted what he did was an offence.

The court heard he had 16 previous convictions for road traffic matters and the company now requires more ID for setting up an account.

The Defence barrister said his client, who is now in receipt of job seekers payments, is due to re-enter the workforce this month and has obtained a job on a construction site through an agency.

Judge Dara Hayes said he would allow an opportunity for restitution to be gathered and for the Probation Service to conduct a community service assessment, but he stressed "all options will remain open".