Man with 186 prior convictions stole three bottles of wine on three occasions within a week from a Kildare shop

A man who stole three bottles of wine in less than a week appeared at Naas District Court.

The court was told that James Mooney, whose address was given as 696 Johnstownbridge, Enfield, appeared by videolink because he was in custody at the time.

He was prosecuted for stealing a bottle of wine valued at €10 on November 19, 21 and 24 at the Centra store in Johnstownbridge.

The court heard that the man’s girlfriend had given birth.

Defending solicitor Chloe Donegan said the defendant had lost both his brother and his father. Ms Donegan added he has a very young child and he wants to be a good parent.

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She said he was dealing with a crack cocaine issue.

Sgt Dave Hanrahan told the court the defendant had 186 previous convictions with “quite a number for theft.”

Judge Desmond Zaidan noted that no violence was used during the incidents.

He applied  the Probation Act.

“Sometimes you’ve got to see the human side of life,” the judge said.

Addressing the defendant the judge said “you try and beat the crack cocaine habit.”

The defendant responded that “jail doesn’t seem to be working”, adding he needs residential treatment.