A Limerick man who cheekily trespassed in the staff areas of a number of Galway city centre premises, including banks, stealing wallets and other personal items, was sentenced to a total of eight months in jail.
On Monday 23-year-old Dean Price, who is already serving a sentence for a separate burglary offence, was told that he will be spending a further eight months in jail and that, when released, he must adhere to the strict conditions of a nine-month suspended sentence and stay away from Galway.
Galway District Court, Price, with an address at Apartment 33, Russell House, Broad Street, Limerick, pleaded guilty at Galway District Court to committing theft while a trespasser at Permanent TSB, Eyre Square; Allied Irish Bank, Lynch’s Castle, Shop Street; Allied Irish Bank, Eyre Square; Logues Shoes, Williamsgate Street; Vero Moda, Eyre Square Shopping Centre on January 12, 2011, and at Bank of Ireland, Mainguard Street; Anthony Ryans, Shop Street; and Carl Scarpa, High Street on January 13, 2011.
Inspector Brendan Carroll told the court that during the two-day crime spree the defendant had entered a number of premises, making his way into areas which had been restricted to staff only access. At two premises Price stole items belonging to staff which included a wallet containing €10, a number of cards, and a driver’s licence as well as other personal documents and another wallet which contained €180 cash and bank cards. He added that none of the items was recovered but that the bank cards had not been used.
“These contained personal details and cards. It is a huge amount of personal inconvenience [to the injured parties],” said Judge Mary Fahy.
Price’s solicitor said that her client, who has “significant” previous convictions, comes from a broken home. She said that Price has an “appalling background” and that he had been suffering from a serious drug addition when the offences were committed. “He was completely out of it, and he doesn’t have much recollection,” said the solicitor.
Inspector Carroll then informed Judge Fahy that the defendant has a total of 70 previous convictions which included a four-month sentence imposed in February of this year for a burglary offence and which he is currently serving. In October last year Price also received an eight-month sentence for burglary, criminal damage, and a number of thefts, and he was also before the courts in 2008 for possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply.
“Did he ever try to get help?” asked Judge Fahy, to which Price’s solicitor replied that her client has done a drugs awareness course but that he hasn’t availed of treatment.
“I really feel this young man could do with serious help,” said Judge Fahy before imposing a total of eight months’ jail sentence, to be served on the lawful termination of the sentence currently being served. She also imposed a nine-month sentence suspended for two years on condition that, after his release, Price is of good behaviour and stays away from Galway city and county during that period.
