A thief and fraudster who is serving a 10-month sentence has been spared further jail time for stealing an electric scooter worth €773.
Edward Collins (21), of St Mary’s Villas, Westport, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing a Kukirin G2 Max e-scooter from Beechwood Court in Stillorgan on January 10 last.
Judge Anne Watkin heard that Collins has 14 previous convictions, including seven for theft and fraud offences and six for road traffic offences.
He also had 15 charges dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act in January 2025.
Judge Anne Watkin said this was significant and noted that the Probation Service had previously worked with Collins for approximately one year.
Collins is currently serving consecutive sentences of seven months and three months, giving him a total custodial sentence of 10 months. The three-month sentence relates to driving without insurance or a driving licence.
Defence barrister, Jack McCabe BL, said Collins developed a cocaine problem when he was 17 years old after falling in with the wrong crowd and his life had since “spiralled”.
Judge Watkin placed him under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months rather than imposing a further custodial sentence.
He was ordered to report to the Probation Service in person, notify it of any change of address and refrain from taking illegal drugs.
The judge warned Collins that he would be in breach of the order if he failed to comply.