Longford man with 82 previous convictions who stole cleaning products from shop is jailed

A Longford man with 82 previous convictions has been jailed.

Robert O’Haire (44) of Camlin Mews, Longford pleaded guilty at the Longford District Court to possession of drugs, theft and public order offences last week.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said gardaí responded to a report of a theft of cleaning products from SuperValu, Longford shortly after 7pm April 5, 2025.

“Gardaí spoke to shop staff who said a man entered the store and various cleaning items were placed in a bag and he then exited the store passing all points of payment without making any attempt to pay for the items.”

Sgt Daly said the defendant was stopped by security personnel who recovered the items and they were returned to the store in a saleable condition.

The value of the products were €44.30.

Sgt Daly said gardaí arrived at Teffia Park at 1.10am and they stopped and spoke with the defendant who became ‘threatening and acted aggressively.

The court heard he “became an obstruction to gardaí while carrying out their duties’” and he was arrested for a public order breach.

Mr O’Haire was subsequently searched in Longford Garda Station by Sergeant Duffy and a brown paper item containing a white substance was found on his person.

The white substance was seized and sent to Forensic Science Ireland who confirmed that it was cocaine valued at €50.
Mr O’Haire has 82 previous convictions.

The defendant was jailed last autumn for separate matters heard in Longford Circuit Court.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said his client knows he has a ‘terrible record’ and the separated father of three ‘remains supportive of them’ and he is committed to ending his addiction to drugs.

“His children are now at impressionable ages, young adults and he is acutely conscious of the terrible example he has provided for them.”

Judge Bernadette Owens imposed a two month jail sentence, which she backdated to run concurrently to a Longford Circuit Court sentence he is presently serving that was imposed on February 6 last.

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