Man gets six months for theft eight years ago at Kildare court
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who tried to swindle a pump from a Naas hardware store eight years ago was recently sentenced to six months in prison for the offence.
Shane O’Donoghue (31), with an address at Old Knockmay Road in Portlaoise, appeared in Athy District Court from custody, having been remanded in custody only the week before on foot of six outstanding bench warrants.
“Did he leave Ireland?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
The prosecuting officer Sergeant Dave Hanrahan didn’t know the background, although he did have an outline of the details of the particular offence before the court, which occurred on 1 November 2017.
Mr O’Donoghue was also facing a charge of being drunk in public on the Newbridge Road in Naas on 18 November 2023.
Explaining the eight-year-old offence, Sgt Hanrahan said: “A group of males entered the business [Ted Johnson’s on the Monread Road] and changed the price tag on a pump for a bet. When they went to the checkout, they paid the cheaper price,” he added.
“How did the cashier find out?” asked the judge, but the Sgt Hanrahan replied: “I don’t have that.”
As Mr O’Donoghue had entered a guilty plea previously and was in Athy for sentencing, the sergeant revealed the defendant had 60 previous convictions, although all before 2017. These included four convictions for theft, as well as for public order, road traffic offences and “possession of certain articles”.
“Do you want the handcuffs taken off? I don’t think he’s a security risk,” offered the judge kindly.
Any convictions since 2017?” asked the judge.
“Portlaoise District Court in September, as well as convictions in Wales, Northern Ireland and Coventry,” replied the sergeant.
“Me sister is married in the UK,” said Mr O’Donoghue from the dock.
“My client wants to plead to these matters and take responsibility. There was no violence, and nobody was hurt,” said defending barrister Hugo Mills.
Mr Mills then explained how his client had six children, was accompanied in court by his mother, and that his father had tragically “died by suicide”.
“Given the historic nature of these offences, and judging by his taking responsibility, I would be seeking leniency,” said Mr Mills.
“I’m very sorry – I just want to go home,” said the defendant.
However, Judge Zaidan sentenced him to six months in prison for the theft of the pump, and took the charge of being drunk in public into consideration.
