Serial burglar tells court he wants to become "honest member of society"

A 29-year-old man from Ballymun pleaded guilty to burglary at Copper Face Jacks nightclub in Dublin on 27 May 2017. Jason Whelan admitted stealing approximately 20 bottles of spirits valued between €700 and €900 from the premises. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Whelan entered the nightclub on three occasions and took bottles from behind the counter. CCTV footage captured him committing the thefts, and he was subsequently identified and arrested. Whelan has 91 previous convictions, including 43 for burglary offences. In a letter to the sentencing judge, he expressed remorse and stated his intention to become an honest member of society and positive father figure. His counsel noted Whelan is currently drug-free and receiving methadone treatment. Judge Melanie Greally acknowledged the sincerity of his expressed commitment to rehabilitation and adjourned sentencing to 13 March pending probation and prison reports.