Man guilty of two 'drive offs' at Kildare filling stations gets a chance

A MAN who did two ‘drive offs’ from Kildare filling stations whilst “in the throes of addiction at the time”, was given a chance by the judge and fined just €200 with six months to pay after the court heard how he had done rehab and was starting a job in two weeks’ time.

Appearing in Athy District Court recently was Stephen Cassin (43) with an address on Mellowes Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.

Mr Cassin pleaded guilty to the a theft of €63 from Circle K Moorefield, Newbridge on 17 December 2023, and the theft of €60 worth of fuel from Conlon’s Garage on the Dublin Road in Athy just five days earlier.

After hearing his 11 previous convictions were all for road traffic offences, his solicitor Brian Larkin began his mitigation.

He explained how Mr Cassin “was in the throes of addiction at the time” but has successfully a course of rehab at Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI).

“What was he addicted to? Women?” remarked Judge Desmond Zaidan.

“Well, he has five kids…,” replied Mr Larkin.

“It was coming up to Christmas, and he fell back into addiction,” he added.

“I started at 12 years of age,” said Cassin.

“That’s very sad,” said the judge.

“My mam was an alcoholic, and I was put in a home,” said Cassin.

“Raised by Tusla?” asked the judge.

“He starts a job in two weeks’ time, and though he can’t pay back the money today, if you were to give him some time?” offered Mr Larkin.

The judge agreed, and fined him €200, giving him six months to pay.

“I’ve been good to you, but you’ve got to lead by example,” said the judge.

“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do,” said Mr Cassin.

“You don’t want history to repeat itself, go and talk to your kids,” concluded the judge.