Teenager who stole from stores in Newbridge and Athy placed on probation bond
SHOPLIFTING
A teenager accused of stealing from stores in Athy and Newbridge was placed on a probation bond by a Naas District Court judge.
Judge Desmond Zaidan made the decision at Naas Courthouse on Thursday, December 22.
Gardaí told the judge that the teenager was charged with two counts of shoplifting from 2019.
The first offence took place in CeX in the Whitewater Shopping Centre, where he took three smartphones from a display case.
The second offence took place at a charity shop in Athy, where the teenager, with the aid of his girlfriend, distracted a shop-worker and stole her handbag, which also contained her phone.
It was heard that the teenager had 15 previous convictions, including for burglary, misuse of drugs, and theft.
Gardaí also said that the juvenile had been in a detention centre for six-months previously.
When the judge pointed out that the probation report handed into him said that he did not accept that the Athy offence was a 'joint enterprise,' defending barrister Aisling Murphy replied that her client did not understand the term at the time.
She added that the term has since been explained to him, and he now accepts responsibility for the offence.
Judge Desmond Zaidan put the teenager under a probation bond for 12 months, and he will be placed under the supervision of a probation officer.
However, the judge said that he was concerned for the teenager, given how he has accumulated 15 convictions before the age of 18.