Naas Court hears how young man steals mobile phones from former classmates

Naas District Court heard how a young man  stole mobile phones from his former classmates.

The 20-year- accused appeared before Naas District Court charged with criminal damage on February 25, 2016.

He was also charged with driving without a driving licence and failing to remain at the scene of an accident, on the Dublin Road, Newbridge, on January 18, 2016.

Inspector Mel Smyth outlined how at 11.30pm, two young men were walking home in Newbridge when they were approached by the accused. He was also charged with causing damage to a roof on February 25, 2016.

The court heard how the accused stole two iphones, one a Samsung Galaxy to the value of approximately €450 and a iphone to the approximate value of €550.

Inspector Smyth told how the two men followed the accused for some time and saw him go into an estate.

They told Gardaí and Gardaí waited for about an hour and half before the accused left the house and was arrested.

Meanwhile, evidence was given that in court that the two people who he robbed were former classmates at school.

The court heard how on February 25, 2016, he drove into the back of a car and drove off, evidence was given that he had no driving licence at the time.

Inspector Smyth outlined how the accused is understood to have been seen on the roof a house and caused €250 worth of damage.

Defence Solicitor, Cairbre Finan, outlined how the accused apologised and showed remorse.

Defence said that at the time there was a 'significant' amount of drinking going on.

The court said that there is no risk of re-offending and that he had €1,200 in compensation.

Judge Brian O'Shea said: "This particularly robbery was mean spirited."

He was convicted and sentenced to three months in custody for criminal damage to a roof, six months consecutive for the theft of a Galaxy phone, six months concurrent for no insurance.

Overall he has been sentenced to a nine months suspended sentence in prison.

No driving licence, no insurance and failing to remain at the scene were taken into consideration.

He has been ordered to pay €250 compensation for the damage to the roof, €550 for the damage to the iphone and €400 for the Galaxy phone.