Suspended sentence for stealing a bottle of booze from Dundalk shop
A 27 year old man who opted for a trial by jury on a charge of stealing a bottle of Smirnoff Ice, instead of having his case heard in the district court, was given a 14 month suspended sentence at Dundalk Circuit Court last week.
Brian McDonagh with an address at The Steeples, Navan was also given a 10 month suspended sentence for handling stolen property, in relation to a bottle of red wine, which was stolen by an accomplice.
The court heard how both men had been seen acting suspiciously in the alcohol section of Costcutter, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk on December second 2021.
Brian McDonagh was seen to place the bottle of Smirnoff Ice into his bag and when he saw gardaí he ran from them, but he was identified on CCTV and it was subsequently returned to the store.
He had 69 previous convictions including 19 for theft.Judge Dara Hayes noted there was no interaction with staff, it was an opportunistic offence and there was no financial loss.
He added a report before him, prepared when he was a boy, outlined how the defendant has a significant learning disability, which was contributed to by a neurological condition he has.
The judge said the 27 year old presents as a vulnerable person, who is easily led, and while he has a history of alcohol misuse, he has had five sessions with the Turas Counselling Service.
Judge Hayes noted the defendant has been engaging with the Probation Service as part of a supervision order that ends in October and is seen to be motivated in addressing his offending behaviour.