Man with 79 previous convictions for burglary offences receives additional burglary conviction at Kildare court

A Dublin man with 79 previous convictions for burglary offences was convicted for a burglary offence at Naas District Court on Thursday, September 7 last.

Simon Whelan, with an address listed as 4 Coultry Way in Ballymun, Dublin 9, County Dublin but who is currently remanded in custody, appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan via video-link on the date in question.

Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob told the judge that on January 13, 2022, at the NCBI Charity Store on Mill Street in Maynooth, the 36-year-old went through the store's backdoor and stole €50 from a staff member's handbag.

Mr Whelan pleaded guilty to committing the offence.

It was heard that the money was not recovered, and that no violence was used in order to obtain the money.

Sgt Jacob added that Mr Whelan has 140 previous convictions, 79 of which are for burglary offences.

He has other convictions for: false imprisonment, robbery, aggravated burglary and escape from lawful custody.

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Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said that his client had suffered from a drug addiction, and he stole the money to feed his habit.

When the judge asked Mr Whelan what happened to the €50, he replied: "I'm not too sure Judge, I can't remember exactly... but I did have a relapse on drugs about three months prior."

Referring to his client, Mr Kennelly added: "Simon needs help, not punishment."

After consideration, Judge Zaidan imposed an 11-month custodial sentence on Mr Whelan, which will run in with his current custodial sentence.