Judge 'reserves position' in case of man who stole from Buncrana shops

A probation report has been ordered in the case of a man with a litany of previous convictions who was before Buncrana District Court over theft incidents.

David Porter, aged 52 and of St Mary's Park, Cockhill, was before the court in connection to incidents on four separate dates in 2023.

Porter spoke to elect for the matters to be heard in the District Court and to tender guilty pleas in each matter,

Porter pleaded guilty to stealing two bottles of wine, with a total value of €20, from SuperValu, Cockhill Road, Buncrana on July 3, 2023.

Porter also pleaded guilty to the theft of three bottles of wine, with a total value of €30, from the same store on July 4, 2023.

Porter was also before the court in relation to the theft of beer valued at €18.88, a potted plant valued at €5 and chilled meat worth €13.49 from Lidl, Buncrana on September 4, 2023.

Porter was also charged with stealing 12 cans of Coors worth €17 from Lidl, Buncrana on September 7, 2023.

Sergeant Sean McDaid told the court that none of the items were recovered.

The court heard that Porter has multiple previous convictions for arson, theft, criminal damage, burglary, public order and misuse of drugs offences.

He has previously been given suspended sentences and community service.

“It certainly depicts a patter,” remarked Judge Éiteáin Cunningham in reference to Porter's previous convictions.

The court heard that money totalling €54.37 was outstanding from the incidents and Porter submitted €55, via his solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian, to the court in respect of the sum.

Mr Dorrian said his client had “at one point in his life, a steady job as a horticulturist” before he became homeless and dependent on alcohol.

Mr Dorrian pointed out that there had been a lacuna from 2018 until the events in Buncrana in 2023.

“During that time, he was doing his best to try to remain sober and between the rails,” Mr Dorrian said.

He said his client has had significant mental health issues and has little or no means. He said many of his issues have been the result of alcohol abuse or addiction.

He said Porter attended White Oaks and is now sober and attending addiction counselling.

Judge Cunningham said that she was cognisant of the relevant previous convictions and noted that “every avenue has been afforded in the past”.

Judge Cunningham said she was looking at a custodial sentence but for the fact that Mr Dorrian had opened up certain steps that Porter has been taking to the court,

Judge Cunningham directed that a probation and welfare report on Porter be prepared. The Judge said she was “very much reserving my position” and adjourned the matter until October 10, 2024.