Man admits stealing garda jacket from courthouse - Kilkenny Live
The case has been adjourned to January for finalisation
A man who admitted to stealing a garda jacket from a courthouse along with tow other thefts from Kilkenny retail premises had his adjourned until next January.
John Joy, Good Shepherd Centre, Kilkenny admitted theft from Dunnes Stores in Kilkenny City on October 14 and from Guineys on John Street on October 8. The defendant also admitted the theft of a garda jacket from Clonmel Courthouse on March 3 and to possession of drugs for personal use at Kilkenny Courthouse on March 3.
Sergeant Morgan O’Connor told the court that on October 14 the defendant had entered Dunnes Stores in Kilkenny City and stole a bottle of whiskey. He was subsequently identified on CCTV. The court also heard that on October 8 the accuse entered Guineys and stole a watch and a pair of socks. The defendant was identified on CCTV and the goods were not recovered.
The sergeant also told the court that on March 3 the defendant stole a garda jacket from a courtroom at Clonmel Courthouse. The defendant was found to be in possession of the garda jacket at a location in Kilkenny City.
The defendant has two previous convictions.
Solicitor Alex Rafter said that theft of the garda jacket was ‘a foolish and silly thing’.
“One positive thing is that he didn’t use it for nefarious means, he was in the back of the courtroom and the jacket was beside him and he took it, it was a silly thing to do,” said Mr Rafter who told the court that his client had a relatively stable life for 24 years.
“He had built his own home. His marriage broke down in the last year and he is reeling and is in the homeless services. He needs structure, he is struggling in The Good Shepherd Centre,” he added.
Judge Geraldine Carthy told the court that she was considering custody and the matter was adjourned to January 12 to allow for the preparation of a probation report.