Courts / Dublin / Report
Young man who stole mobile phone in 'foolish' crime jailed for three months
Summary
Shane Howarth, 19, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for stealing a Nokia Lumia mobile phone worth €300 from PC Style on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, on 11 October 2014. He pleaded guilty before Balbriggan District Court. The theft was captured on CCTV and Howarth was identified after the shop owner discovered the phone missing. He had previously received an adult caution in September 2014 and had no prior convictions. Howarth was offered the chance to pay €300 in compensation but only had €50 in court. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that Howarth did not appear concerned about paying the compensation and therefore imposed the custodial sentence. The sentence was fixed on recognisance pending appeal. The case was heard by Inspector Neil Curran and defence solicitor Donogh McGowan, who described the crime as opportunistic and foolish. The court recorded that Howarth had consumed alcohol on the day of the offence. The sentence was imposed on 12 February 2015.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Young man who stole mobile phone in 'foolish' crime jailed for three months. Charges or matters: the theft of a Nokia Lumia mobile phone worth €300 from PC Style on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan on October 11th, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 11th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-02-12 Publication
Why: Mr McGowan explained that Howarth only had €50 with him after Judge Dempsey questioned why he hasn't saved up the €300 since last November. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the theft of a Nokia Lumia mobile phone worth €300 from PC Style on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan on October 11th, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Dempsey proceeded with the sentence after he noted Howarth had been given an opportunity.
Places mentioned
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