A man who claimed he stole a 42'' TV in order to fund his childrens' birthdays, had his 11-month sentence suspended in the Circuit Court this week (July 21 ).
Edward Martin (31 ), originally from Balbriggan, Co Dublin but now living with his partner in Thornbury Drive, Willow Park, was sentenced on June 3 for the €800 theft from Dunnes Stores in Irishtown last January 6, as well as for the theft of some cuddly toys, chocolate and yoghurt for them on two different dates in February. The television was sold for €300.
Martin told the court he had recently lost his job with a cleaning firm in Longford and “was under pressure from Christmas”.
His childrens' birthdays were within days of each other in January, the court heard.
“I apologise and wish I never done it,” said Martin. “It was just hard times, that's all.”
The court heard how Martin was released from a six year sentence for aggravated burglary three years ago.
“There are 400,000 people unemployed in the country and all these people have to make do without robbing Dunnes Stores,” said Mr Peter D Jones, for the State.
'You have form. What's to say next Christmas you won't steal something worth €1,600 and sell it for €600? Businesses have to make do in these times without having to deal with thieves like you.”
“My client found himself in an impecunious state,” said defending barrister, Mr Pauric Hogan.
“He was trying to finance not just his life but that of his two children.”
Judge Anthony Kennedy accepted this and suspended Martin's sentence for 12 months.
