Naas Court hears man steals alcohol to fund his medicine for HIV

Naas District Court heard that a man with HIV was attempting to steal  alcohol in a bid to fund his  medical needs.

The 29-year-old appeared before Naas District Court charged with being in possession of a snippers for detagging, at Tesco, Blessington, on January 9, 2018.

Garda evidence outlined how the accused was found with three bottles of Hennessy Brandy, worth €50 each and had wire cutters.

The court heard how the bottles were recovered in saleable condition.

Evidence was heard how the accused had a previous for theft at Longford District Court.

Defence Barrister, Sarah Connolly said that the Lithuanian national came to Ireland and worked in a mushroom farm, but the job fell through and he has not been able to receive state assistance.

She said: "The alcohol was to be sold to fund his medicine for HIV. He apologises. His girlfriend is pregnant, it is a sad situation."

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the accused was sentenced to seven months in prison and that he is to receive immediate treatment for HIV in prison.