Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for serial thief who stole medical students' laptops
Summary
Stephen Finn, aged 32, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, for a series of burglaries at Trinity College and other locations in 2017. He had 115 prior convictions, including 21 burglaries, and was known for stealing to fund a drug habit. The court heard that Finn stole laptops from outside lecture halls, causing a student to fail an exam due to the loss. CCTV identified Finn, who evaded detection during the thefts. He pleaded guilty to burglary at two Trinity departments, the Central Hotel, and a business on Pearse Street. The judge noted the severe consequences for victims, Finn's remorse, efforts to address drug addiction, and his role as a father. Finn's sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences and his established pattern of theft.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for serial thief who stole medical students' laptops. Charges or matters: burglary at two departments in Trinity College in January and February 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 2017 Incident
- January 31, 2017 Other
- February 2, 2017 Other
- February 7, 2017 Incident
- February 17 Incident
- June 2017 Incident
- 2019-03-22 Publication
Why: She said Finn had a well-established tendency to steal to fund his drug habit and lifestyle. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary at two departments in Trinity College in January and February 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He is currently serving a four-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended for offences committed on bail after he was released on these charges. She imposed a four-year sentence, with the final year suspended, to start from the sentence date, today.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Exchequer Street
- Pearse Street
- Pearse Street
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft
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