Wicklow man fined after 'three-day crime spree' involving stolen bank card

A 41-year-old man pleaded guilty to 10 theft offences involving the unauthorised use of a stolen debit card. He used the card in multiple stores over three days, buying items including alcohol, cigarettes, electronics, and a smartwatch, with thefts totaling €404. He also left a store without paying for a drink item. Evidence stated that a wallet was found in a SuperValu car park and the accused obtained it. The court heard he also committed additional thefts related to driving off from a garage without paying for petrol. He completed three months of rehabilitation and a month in sober living and is now employed, leading to a €500 fine.

"Garda Emma Jane Doyle of Newtownmountkennedy Garda Station gave evidence that on June 27, 2024, the accused entered a store on Boghall Road in Bray using a stolen card to purchase items valued at €50. He later returned to the same shop and purchased alcohol. The court heard he then entered Tesco and used the stolen card to purchase a mobile phone and credit. Mr Behan also entered a SuperValu in Wicklow and purchased vodka and cigarettes valued at €47.80, while also placing a BuzzBall in his pocket before leaving without paying."

"On June 28, he entered Power City and used the card to purchase a smartwatch, bringing the total value of the thefts to €404. The court heard an associate of Mr Behan had found the wallet in the car park of a SuperValu before the accused "got his hands on it". It was noted during proceedings that Mr Behan went on a three-day "crime spree", while he also pleaded guilty to two further counts of theft after driving off from a garage without paying for petrol."

"Sergeant Mick Dee informed the court that Mr Behan has 20 previous convictions, which were described as "historical in nature". Solicitor for the accused Joe Maguire stated that Mr Behan had been brought to each individual shop by an unknown associate and was under pressure to commit the thefts as he was "under the influence of drugs and in a bad place". In mitigation, the court was told the defendant spent three months in rehabilitation followed by a month in sober living accommodation and is now gainfully employed."

Read at Irish Independent