Courts / Dublin / Report
'Predatory thief' gets three years for bank card theft
Summary
A man known as a 'predatory thief' has been jailed for three years after stealing a tourist's bank card and withdrawing €220 from an ATM in Dublin. Viorel Rostas, who has 79 previous convictions, was convicted of theft and cash fraud. The court heard that the tourist was drinking and got into a taxi with Rostas, who watched him enter his PIN at an ATM and then stole the card. Rostas used the card to withdraw money and was later identified by gardai. Despite his criminal history and high risk of reoffending, the judge noted that Rostas had a work history and had apologized for his actions. The judge described Rostas's behavior as predatory and deliberate, emphasizing that he targeted the victim with intent. Rostas was sentenced to three years in prison, with the judge acknowledging his personal circumstances but emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Predatory thief' gets three years for bank card theft. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- December 9, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-05-01 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Passing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe noted that Rostas was a father of seven and had one child with considerable medical difficulties. She set a headline sentence of four years, and in light of the personal and mitigating circumstances, imposed a sentence of three years.
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