Judge hears local resident went on Longford 'bender' and stole Easter Eggs worth €400

A man who went on a 'bender' in Longford and broke a shopping centre window, was found with three bags of drugs and stole over €400 of Easter Eggs will be assessed by the probation services.

Patryk Gniado (19) of Stonepark, Longford, pleaded guilty at the local district court to criminal damage at the entrance of Longford Shopping Centre and possession of drugs on January 9 and two thefts from Aldi on the Athlone Road on January 17 last.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said Gardaí were on patrol at 5.30pm in Longford Shopping Centre on January 9 when they were approached by manager that a young man wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and grey top with a hood carrying a dark sports bag had just broken a window 'sliding in towards the shopping centre'.

"CCTV was viewed and the defendant was identified and subsequently arrested."

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The court heard the damage to the window was an estimated €200.

Sgt Daly on the same date a complaint was made at 7.30pm the "youth was engaging in anti-social behaviour on Main Street, Longford.

"Gardaí went to the scene and the defendant was discovered shouting and roaring at members of the public on arrival in a 'highly intoxicated' state.

Gardaí arrested Mr Gniado who had been captured on CCTV and he was brought to Longford Garda Station where he was searched and three bags of cocaine and one bag of cannabis were found on his person.

The total value of the drugs was an estimated €250.

The defendant also admitted being guilty of two public order breaches during the aforementioned incident.

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Sgt Daly said Mr Gniado entered Aldi on January 17 and he placed Easter eggs valued at €23.88 into a shopping bag and he exited the store and passed all points of payment without making any attempt to pay.

The defendant entered the store a short time later and he placed Easter eggs valued at €408.20 into a bag and he walked out of the store without any attempt to pay.

Sgt Daly said Gardaí viewed CCTV and they identified Mr Gniado who was arrested.

The defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client has minimal money as he receives €150 per week of social welfare.

"He would need time to come up with compensation,” he added.

Mr Gearty said his client regretted the criminal damage and he wanted to make a public apology.

"He lost his phone and in frustration and intoxication regretfully his emotions overcame him and he kicked at the window of the entrance door.

"He has been shown the video whilst sober by the gardaí and he is ashamed of his actions.”

Mr Gearty said in relation to the public order and drugs charges his client had been 'on a bender' and when he has drink or drugs in his system his emotions get the better of him.

"In relation to the eggs, the chocolates, he thought he could get money by taking them.

"It was a socially irresponsible action."

Judge Bernadette Owens directed a probation report is completed on the defendant before adjourning the case until June 16 for sentence.