Gardai who stopped a thief carrying a lump hammer, screwdriver, adjustable spanner and gloves caught the same offender acting suspiciously while in possession of a knife five months later, a court has heard.
Paul McCarton (54), of Knockmore Avenue, Tallaght, and also of Russell Drive, Fortunestown, pleaded guilty to a number of offences including possession of articles for use in theft, handling stolen property, possession of a knife, theft and public order offences at Tallaght District Court.
The court heard that on September 18, 2023, at Main Street in Tallaght, McCarton had a lump hammer, screwdriver, adjustable spanner and gloves which gardaí believed were intended for use in a theft.
He also admitted possessing a stolen ‘Go Ahead Ireland’ bag containing documents.
On February 24, 2024, at Fortunestown Road in Tallaght, gardaí observed McCarton acting suspiciously and found a knife in his possession.
Further charges arose from two public order incidents. On June 19, 2024, at Applegreen in Jobstown, McCarton engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour and failed to comply with a direction from gardaí to leave the area.
A separate incident occurred on August 5, 2024, at Circle K on Brownsbarn Drive in Citywest, where McCarton again used abusive language in a public place and failed to comply with a garda direction.
The court also heard that on October 22, 2024, the defendant stole groceries from Circle K on Blessington Road in Tallaght.
The court heard that McCarton has eight previous convictions, including for drug possession.
Defence barrister, Noah Rossiter BL, told the court that his client had struggled with drug addiction since the age of 11 but had recently taken steps to address his difficulties.
Counsel said that since November 2024, McCarton had been engaging with JADD (Jobstown Assisting Drug Dependency), a programme aimed at helping people return to a drug-free lifestyle.
Mr Rossiter handed in a report from the service which gave a positive account of his engagement. The court heard McCarton attends regularly and takes part in activities including woodwork, repairing bicycles and counselling sessions.
Judge Áine Shannon directed that probation and welfare reports as well as a restorative justice assessment be prepared.
McCarton was remanded on bail to May 29 for sentencing.