Kildare bike thief fined €250
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who stole a €500 bike because he believed it belonged to his landlord was fined €250 in court last week 23 September.
Roland Hlacs (42) with an address on Garter Lane, Athy, had originally been listed for the morning session of Athy District Court charged with one count of theft on Stanhope Street on 25 March.
However, when it was apparent he was a no-show and might be facing a bench warrant, his solicitor Brian Larkin pleaded on behalf of his client explaining how close he lived to the courthouse, and that he’d have him there before the close of business at 4pm.
“Perhaps if it’s more convenient, we’ll just walk over to his place to hear the case,” offered Judge Desmond Zaidan a tad mischievously.
However, he did allow Mr Larkin some latitude with his client, whom he finally presented late that afternoon.
“Apologies for the late arrival, judge,” said Mr Larkin on the eventual appearance of his client.
“Mr Hlacs lives over a bike shop and the owner lets him take fixed up bikes from the shop, and he accidentally took this one.
"I’ve known him for a long time; he’s a decent guy. He was one of my first ever clients.
“I have managed to keep him out of jail (on five previous convictions), but he is a bit scatty.
“My client is presently unemployed and has five children.
“He returned the bike straight away,” he concluded.
Judge Zadian convicted Mr Hlacs, and fined him €250 for the theft.
