Man jailed for stealing number plates and grease gun in Kiltoghert

A man who stole number plates and an electric grease gun from two vehicles parked in a yard in Kiltoghert has been sentenced to four months in prison, with a judge warning that such thefts can lead to “sinister” consequences.
Bartosz Wozniak (40), a Polish national who lives in a hostel in Galway, appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on May 6, where he pleaded guilty to three separate theft charges dating back to 2021. A fourth charge relating to drugs was struck out.

The court heard that number plates were removed from two vehicles, including a Volvo articulated lorry, and that a grease gun was also taken. His solicitor, Mr. John Anderson, said Wozniak was caught fitting the stolen plates onto another car.
“His rationale was that he was putting a newer year on the car,” his solicitor said. “I’ll give him full marks for inventiveness,” said Judge Brendan O’Reilly, “but taking number plates opens the door to all sorts of sinister behaviour.” Wozniak has lived in Ireland for 19 years and previously worked as a chef, but now receives disability allowance, has no income, and is covered under the Mental Health Act. He has been on remand since March and had already served five weeks in custody at the time of
sentencing.

His solicitor told the court that Wozniak wishes to return to Poland, where his mother is terminally ill with cancer. “He tells me he wants to go back home to be with his mother in her final weeks,” Mr. Anderson said. Judge O’Reilly accepted the guilty plea and noted that the items were recovered, but emphasised the risk involved in such offences. “It’s not a serious theft in monetary terms,” he said, “but number plate theft is not innocent. It can lead to very serious consequences.” Wozniak was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison for the first theft charge, and four months for a second, with the sentences to run concurrently. The sentence was backdated to April 9, 2025. He is scheduled to appear again in Galway District Court on May 12 on unrelated matters.

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