'Blatant' thief who stole from same store 27 times in five months gets probation
A “blatant” thief who stole from the same Circle K garage 27 times in six months has been placed on probation at Dún Laoghaire District Court.
Andrew Connors (40), of Kilbogget Grove, Cabinteely, pleaded guilty to the 27 theft offences, committed between June and late November at Circle K on the N11 in Cabinteely, Dublin 18.
All charges were brought under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act 2001.
The court heard Connors repeatedly targeted the Circle K premises, stealing alcohol on almost every occasion.
Items taken included cans of Guinness, Smirnoff Ice, Malibu, Captain Morgan and Jameson Ginger. His behaviour was described as “pretty blatant”, often walking out with cans or bottles before staff realised what had happened, without any confrontation.
Judge Anne Watkin noted that garages “are easier targets” for this type of offending. Connors is currently serving a six-month sentence imposed by Judge Martin Nolan in the Circuit Criminal Court following a breach that led to the reactivation of a suspended sentence.
Defence counsel said Connors made full admissions at the earliest opportunity and cooperated fully with Gardaí.
Judge Watkin placed him on a 12-month probation bond in the sum of €500.
She warned that he will receive a custodial sentence if he breaches the bond.