A man with 95 previous convictions has been handed a prison sentence after appearing in court in connection with incidents in Letterkenny.
Brian Ward, who is currently in custody at Castlerea Prison, was before Falcarragh District Court via video link.
Ward was put on his election by Judge Ciaran Liddy and opted to have the matter heard at District Court level. Ward pleaded guilty to the offences.
The incidents were outlined to the court by Garda Sergeant Jim Collins.
On February 23, 2022, staff at Pennys, Letterkenny Shopping Centre reported that two males had entered the shop and placed items of clothing into a buggy before exiting without making payment.
The clothing was valued at €75 and the items were not recovered.
Ward made full admissions when questioned by gardai.
Ward was also charged in relation to an incident at Sweeney’s Spar Express, Ballyraine, on July 20, 2023. The court was told that he lifted items valued at €43 and placed them into a pram before leaving the store without paying.
The incidents were captured on CCTV.
Ward was also charged in connection with a public order incident at Letterkenny Retail Park on August 25. 2023. On the same date he faced a charge relating to the theft of trainers worth €75 from TK Maxx.
Sergeant Collins told the court that Ward has 95 previous convictions, the vast majority of which are for theft and public order matters.
Ward is due for release in January, 2026.
His solicitor, Mr Rory O’Brien, said his client has a “very poor record” and these offences occurred at the height of chronic alcohol addiction which has blighted the majority of Ward’s adult life.
He said Ward accepts his wrongdoing and that he has to “do his penance”. Mr O’Brien said his client voluntarily went into custody two weeks ago and is now keen to resolve matters.
The court was told that Ward is working on his addiction and undertaking courses while in prison.
Ward was invited to say something and he told the court: “I am sorry. I was all over the place at the time.”
For the theft from Sweeney’s Spar, Ward was jailed for seven months. The remaining charges were marked as taken into consideration.
Legal aid was granted to Mr O’Brien.
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