A twenty-five year-old man who stole €800 in cash from a private home in Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny was handed a four month suspended sentence at Kilkenny Court this week.
John Murphy with an address at 6 Bawn More, Terrace, New Ross, Co Wexford pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred on September 23.
Inspector Liam Connolly told the court that the defendant had visited the the man’s house selling fire extinguishers on the day in question . “When the man went back into the house to get €5 to buy an extinguisher the defendant followed him into the house, stealing €800 in cash and a social welfare card,” explained Inspector Connolly.
The court heard that the homeowner’s brother took down the registration number of the car the defendant left in enabling the gardaí to identify him.
“When Garda Sherkle of Thomastown Garda Station subsequently interviewed the defendant he made a full admission,” added the Inspector.
Defendant’s solicitor John Harte told the court that his client had started the business on his own and it was not going well at the time. “My client has advised me that he was drinking quite heavily that day. And when he entered that house he came into temptation and took the money. He has also told me that he sincerely regrets his action,” added Mr Harte.
Judge William Harnett sentenced the defendant to four months in prison to be suspended for 18 months, imposed a fine of €600 and ordered him to comply with the probation services and attend treatment for alcohol abuse when and where directed by the probation services.
