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Recidivist Grandad gets suspended sentence for stealing dresses

Summary

Michael Buckley, aged 66, was convicted of stealing €215 worth of women's dresses from Dunnes Stores in The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Swords, on 26 September 2014. He pleaded guilty before Swords District Court, where he was ordered to stay away from the shopping centre for two years. The court gave him a six‑month suspended sentence, suspended for two years, and remanded him on a €200 bond with a condition to remain away from the centre. Buckley has 69 prior convictions, mainly for theft and traffic offences, with a ten‑year gap since 2004. He has kidney and stomach problems and is 66 years old. The judge noted that a custodial sentence would not serve society, but a fine was not sufficient given his record. The solicitor argued that Buckley's gambling addiction had contributed to his offending, and he claims he is finished with such behaviour. The suspended sentence was imposed by Judge Dermot Dempsey.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Recidivist Grandad gets suspended sentence for stealing dresses. Charges or matters: the offence which happened on September 26th, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 26th, 2014 Incident
• 2015-01-26 Publication

Why: ' 'He has kidney and stomach problems and because of his age and health complications, a custodial sentence wouldn't serve society,' the solicitor explained. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report