A man who was given a suspended sentence four weeks ago, appeared at Kilkenny District Court on Tuesday in relation to a number of charges that he breached his probation bond.
Mark Quigley, with addresses at 14B Rioch Street and 15 Pinewood Avenue, Loughboy, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to five charges of theft and burglary which occurred at Hotel Kilenny, the Newpark Pharmacy, Boots and the Hibernian Hotel on July 18, 19 and 20.
Judge William Harnett sentenced him to six months in prison for breaching his probation bond and four months for the offences.
The court heard that the defendant stole two mobile phones, an iPod and a hands-free kit from the staff rooms of Hotel Kilkenny and a jacket and a digital camera from the Hibernian Hotel.
“We did not recover the camera, which contained over 800 pictures and belonged to an Italian couple who were on their honeymoon at the time,” Garda Loughnane told the court.
Defence solicitor Michael Lanigan said that his client, who was serving a sentence in the Midlands Prison, had committed the offences following his temporary release on July 18.
“He has told me that his motivation for these offences was because his sister is getting married and he was trying to get money for her wedding,” said Mr Lanigan.
Judge William Harnett warned the defendant earlier in the month that he would impose the sentence if he didn’t comply fully with the terms of the 18-month probation bond.
Judge Harnett imposed the six-month sentence which he suspended on July 1 after Quigley pleaded guilty to 39 charges, mostly related to theft. He also pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs for his own use at the July 1 sitting.
“He doesn’t give a damn about the effect of his actions on other people, in this case a young Italian couple whose camera was stolen and more than likely sold for €20 in a pub,” added Judge Harnett before imposing an additional four months for the latest offences.
