A man who broke into an Athlone beauty salon and stole 20 bottles of skin lotion, a pair of shoes, and a box of chocolates, had his sentencing postponed in the District Court this week (January 25 ) after the judge learned he had an outstanding suspended sentence in Galway.
Martin Ward (29 ), with an address at Turner’s Court, Athlone had gained access to the premises on Church Street on the night of October 7 to steal the items.
Inspector Nicholas told the court the total value of the items was just €50, and Judge Seamus Hughes voiced his surprise at this.
The inspector pointed out the lotion bottles were just small, sample bottles, and that Ward had been apprehended on foot of information received.
He explained how Ward had 68 previous convictions for theft, burglary, criminal damage, public order, drug dealing, and road traffic offences.
“That was very foolish of your client,” said the judge to Mr Paul Connellan.
“He has had a long history of heroin abuse, and has only recently come to terms with it,” explained Mr Connellan.
However, when Inspector Farrell illuminated Ward’s most recent conviction - 10 months imprisonment for burglary, suspended for 18 months at Galway Circuit Court in October 2010 - Judge Hughes realised his hands were tied.
“I must remand him to Judge Groarke [presiding at Galway Circuit Court] to see what he does,” said Judge Hughes.
He ordered Ward be remanded to the next available sitting of that court, which is today, January 26.
