A 54-year-old man who stole 17 bottles of spirits to repay a drugs debt has been given a probation bond after a court heard he had gone “cold turkey”, engaged with Pieta House and was now clean for 10 months.
Brian Early, of St Joseph’s Avenue, Newbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in relation to two incidents in February last year.
The court heard that on February 12, 2024, Early stole 17 bottles of alcohol worth €660 from Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt, Dublin 18.
Detective Sergeant Wendy Byrne told the court that Early had removed the security tags from the bottles using wire cutters. He had made a small payment for a packet of toilet rolls to give the impression of a legitimate purchase.
She said the theft was premeditated and that two bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin, worth €50 to €60 each, were recovered. When asked by Judge Conor Fottrell if all of the stolen goods had been retrieved, Sgt Byrne said not all were recovered, but the total value taken was approximately €700.
Silvia-Maria Crowley BL, counsel for the defence, said Early, a father and grandfather, had developed a serious addiction to crack cocaine in recent years. After a five-year battle with cancer and the death of his father, his life became “chaotic,” the court was told.
She said her client stole the alcohol to repay a drug debt, but has since gone cold turkey and remained clean for the past 10 months. The court heard he did not attend a formal drug programme but had sought support from Pieta House after a previous mental health crisis.
Ms Crowley said that her client receives a disability allowance and had entered guilty pleas at an early stage. He is no longer in counselling but is making efforts to rebuild his life, the court heard.
Judge Fottrell noted the court was told the offences arose out of a drug debt. “That may well be the case – but it’s ridiculous. You need to sort it out,” he told the defendant.
“These are serious matters – stealing alcohol in order to pay off a drug debt is not acceptable. But I accept you’ve taken steps to address your situation,” he added.
Taking into account the guilty plea, Early’s personal circumstances and his engagement with support services, Judge Fottrell imposed a 12-month probation bond on condition that Early keeps the peace and engages in good behaviour.
“I suggest you continue to engage with Pieta House and any further counselling available to you,” the judge said.