'It’s you that should be worried': Judge to ‘test’ Longford defendant over coming months


A man who stole a black bomber jacket and a bottle of wine in addition to assault charges was told at the recent sitting of Longford District Court that he was being tested over the coming months.
Jonathan Seagrave (50) with addresses at 6 Garvey Close and 28 Templemichael Glebe in Longford faces a number of theft charges including theft of a bomber jacket valued at €109.99 from Spirit Clothing, Main Street, Longford on August 2, 2022.
He was also charged with the theft of a bottle of wine valued at €17.99 from Supervalu, Hazelwood Shopping Centre, Lanesboro Road, Longford on September 10, 2022.
Defence solicitor John Quinn said there had been no further disturbances involving the defendant.
However, Judge Bernadette Owens noted the defendant did not engage well with the probation service.
Judge Owens said she would apply her “own probation report” by putting the case back to March, to “test” the defendant.
If no issues arise in the meantime, then she said she may be persuaded to apply a suspended sentence. However, if there are any incidents then the defendant will be facing a custodial sentence, she said.
“Don’t worry about that, Judge,” the defendant replied.
“I am not worried about it at all,” Judge Owens said. “It’s you that should be worried”.