Courts / Dublin / Report

On-bail thief who stole man's watch as he lay ill on ground avoids jail

Summary

Michael Rostas, 24, was on bail when he stole a watch from a man who had fallen ill after leaving a nightclub. The victim, who was later admitted to St James's Hospital, had the watch, a sentimental item from his father, returned to him. CCTV footage showed Rostas taking the watch while the victim lay on the ground. Rostas pleaded guilty to one count of theft on 1 October 2022 and had two prior convictions. Judge Pauline Codd described the offence as vile and morally reprehensible. She imposed a headline sentence of four years, but after considering Rostas's guilty plea, age, homelessness, and a positive probation report, she sentenced him to three years' imprisonment suspended in full for three years. Rostas paid €500 to the court as a gesture of remorse and was ordered to pay an additional €500 to the victim, at least €50 per month.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: On-bail thief who stole man's watch as he lay ill on ground avoids jail. Charges or matters: one count of theft on October 1, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 1, 2022 Incident
• 2025-11-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report