Man racks up 71 convictions in two years, Kildare court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who had no previous convictions, but an astonishing 71 after the case in which he appeared for in Athy District Court this week (12 May), was jailed for seven months – for the theft of €78 worth of fuel.
Derek Dunne (25) originally of Markievicz House, Dublin 2, but presently a guest of the state for an offence that was not mentioned in court.
It was alleged that Mr Dunne had driven off from Circle K filling station on the Dublin Road in Athy on 27 May 2024 after filling his vehicle with €77.48 worth of fuel without paying.
After telling Judge Desmond Zaidan that he was unrepresented for this court appearance, the judge suggested he “talk to Mr (Hugo) Mills”, and put the case on second calling (a minor adjournment) until they had consulted.
As Mr Dunne had pleaded guilty, Sergeant Dave Hanrahan explained to the court that he had “no previous convictions (prior to 27 May 2024) but had 71 post”.
“What has gone wrong? Seventy-one post convictions? Why are you behaving like this?” the judge asked the man in the dock, and when Mr Dunne just shrugged, the judge was mildly incredulous.
“You don’t know?” Mr Mills asked his client.
“Judge, there has been a significant amount of bad behavior since this (offence),” he began.
“My client wants to apologise to the court, and is very willing to pay back the money he stole,” he added.
The judge sentenced Mr Dunne to seven months in prison for the theft but reassured him with: “this sentence won’t affect your release date”.
