Man who stole from people with disabilities asks not to be sent to Midlands Prison due to jail death threats
The accused has 119 previous convictions
A man who stole money from people with disabilities does not want to be jailed in the Midland's Prison Portlaoise because of death threats.
Brendan Sherlock (28) 2, Hartley Cross, Lavender Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim appeared before Tullamore District Courtby video link from Cloverhill Prison where he is on remand for another offence,.
In his evidence Garda Sergeant James O'Sullivan said that on September 8 last the accused approached a man in Tullamore town park.
He asked him for money. The man, who has an intellectual disability, handed him €100. On September 9, 2021 at Durrow Lane, Tullamore, Mr Sherlock approached the same man and this time he handed him €25.
On August 3, at 3pm on Patrick Street, Tullamore, he stole €10 from a female with an intellectual disability, taking the money from her purse. Mr Sherlock was identified and the money found on him.
On August 22 the defendant stole a sandwich and drink worth €5 from Leavy's Centra, Henry Street, Tullamore. The property was not recovered. On August 7, 2021 he stole a jumper worth €10 from Lidl, Main Street.
The court also heard that Mr Sherlock has 119 previous convictions.
Solicitor Donal Farrelly said Mr Sherlock was homeless at the time of the offences.
He asked Judge Catherine Staines not to sentence him to the Midlands Prison as there were death threats against him at the prison.
He asked the judge to postpone sentencing for two weeks as he is due to appear at Longford court on another charge and he believes he will be sentenced to Castlerea Prison.
Mr Farrelly said Brendan Sherlock had been a heroin addict for a number of years and was now on a methadone programme.
He is from Trim and he hopes to go back to where he came from.
Judge Staines described the offence as most serious especially since it involved someone with an intellectual disability.
She put sentencing back for three weeks and directed that €400 be paid to the victim from the court poor box.
She adjourned the case to November 17 for sentencing.