Man fined for stealing pack of cigars from Donegal filling station
The defendant pleaded guilty to the offence at Donegal District Court
A man who stole a packet of Hamlet cigars to the value of €9.40 has been convicted of theft and fined €50.
Ryan Keenan, 32, of 3 Brighton Terrace, Bundoran was before Donegal District Court on Monday, June 23. He pleaded guilty to the theft which took place at Kee’s Filling Station, Laghey on November 10, 2024.
The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
Inspector Anthony Coyle said that on the date in question, the defendant entered the shop with a scratchcard at 10.30am. He asked to buy several more scratchcards, and also asked for cigars.
“A staff member left the cigars on the counter,” said the inspector. “While the staff member was distracted with the scratchcards, he put cigars in his pocket and left without paying.”
The court heard that the defendant had three previous convictions for theft, all of which were imposed in Letterkenny District Court.
Solicitor Edel Sheerin told the court that her client suffered from issues including alcohol additions.
“He has sought help with that,” she said, adding: “He is very remorseful. He did believe all matters had been dealt with in Letterkenny.
Ms Sheerin said that her client had since stopped drinking alcohol and was getting help.
“ He has money to donate to charity if that would be considered,” she said. “He has €50 here in court.”
Judge Ciaran Liddy said that he couldn’t apply the Probation of Offenders Act due to previous convictions.
He imposed a fine of €50 and granted legal aid to O’Brien McIntyre Solicitors.
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