A man living in Ballyhaunis with previous convictions from a number of districts was convicted and fined €250 at Castlebar District Court this week for theft.
John Owens, 1 Primrose Cottages, Main Street, Ballyhaunis, admitted stealing two lengths of steel, the property of John Commons, Carnahan, Balla, on March 12 at 12.30pm.
Mr Commons observed the defendant place the steel on the back of a trailer, with Owens subsequently arrested for the offence where he admitted his involvement.
The defendant, who represented himself, said that he though the steel was scrap as it was located near an old building and had apologised to gardaí and to the injured party.
The father of three, who is originally from Cavan, but lives in Ballyhaunis with his partner, is in receipt of disability benefit.
Judge Mary Devins convicted and fined the defendant €250 and sentenced him to 28 days in prison which was suspended for 12 months.
