Courts / Dublin / Report
54-year-old stole 17 bottles of spirits to repay drugs debt
Summary
Brian Early, a 54‑year‑old from Newbridge, pleaded guilty to theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in two incidents in February 2024. He stole 17 bottles of spirits worth about €700 from Dunnes Stores, removing security tags with wire cutters and making a small purchase to appear legitimate. Two bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin were recovered. Early admitted the theft was to repay a drug debt, citing a serious crack cocaine addiction that worsened after a five‑year cancer battle and his father's death. He has been clean for 10 months, has not attended a formal drug programme but has sought support from Pieta House following a mental‑health crisis, and receives a disability allowance. Judge Conor Fottrell, considering the guilty plea, personal circumstances and support engagement, imposed a 12‑month probation bond requiring Early to keep the peace and continue engaging with Pieta House and any further counselling.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 54-year-old stole 17 bottles of spirits to repay drugs debt. Charges or matters: theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in relation to two incidents in February last year. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 12, 2024 Incident
- 2025-06-04 Publication
Why: "These are serious matters – stealing alcohol in order to pay off a drug debt is not acceptable. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in relation to two incidents in February last year (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Pieta House
- Dún Laoghaire District Court
Topics
Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision Theft
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