North Kildare man gets backdated sentence for theft offences

A Leixlip man was handed down a backdated custodial sentence at Naas District Court on Thursday, February 8 last in relation to three theft offences.

James Mooney, with an address listed as Avondale, Leixlip, but who is currently in custody, appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan on the date in question.

Defending solicitor, Tim Kennelly, told the judge that his client pleaded guilty to all three offences.

For the first offence, gardaí said that on July 27, 2022, Mr Mooney stole three Hugo Boss t-shirts in County Kildare, worth a combined total of €120.

When it was heard that two of the three shirts were recovered, which prompted Judge Zaidan to ask: "What happened to the third one?"

Mr Kennelly jokingly replied: "He's wearing it!" which drew some laughter from those nearby.

For the second offence, gardaí said that on March 24 last, at the SuperValu in Glen Royal Shopping Centre in Maynooth, Mr Mooney stole around €516 worth of alcohol.

Lastly, for the third offence, gardaí said that on April 23 last, Mr Mooney stole around €130 worth of alcohol from a Lidl store in Maynooth.

All of the items were recovered in this instance.

Gardaí noted that there was no violence used during the course of all three thefts.

Speaking directly to Mr Mooney, Judge Zaidan said: "Do you see a life without crime?"

"Yes, judge," Mr Mooney replied.

Mr Kennelly interjected by saying: "Alcohol has been the fundamental problem of James' life, and at the time of these offences, he was at the height of his addiction.

"James is a well-educated man, but sadly, alcohol took over his life."

He also said that his client was given a custodial sentence back in September by the court, and is due for release next month.

Mr Kennelly added: "He has also told me, judge, that he has been doing a lot of reflecting on his life while in custody, as he has a lot of time to himself."

The judge asked Mr Mooney: "What do you plan on doing after you leave prison?," to which Mr Mooney said that he wished to find employment as a plasterer.

After consideration, Judge Zaidan said that he would convict Mr Mooney for the SuperValu theft offence, but would backdate his sentence to when he first entered into custody.

"I have done you a huge favour," the judge told Mr Mooney, to which Mr Mooney thanked him for his verdict.