Courts / Dublin / Report
Serial offender jailed for theft of tourist's motorbike
Summary
Joseph Gifford, a 40-year-old man with 134 previous convictions, has been jailed for 20 months for stealing a tourist's motorbike in Dublin. Gifford pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to taking the motorbike from QPark on May 13, 2024. The victim had arrived in Ireland on a ferry from the Isle of Man and parked his motorbike in the car park. The following morning, he discovered his bike was missing. Gardai obtained CCTV footage showing four individuals entering the car park, with three wearing masks and gloves. Gifford was identified as the fourth person. The motorbike was recovered the next day but was written off. Gifford was arrested in March 2025 and admitted to the crime, but refused to identify the other individuals. The court heard that Gifford has a long-standing addiction issue and is a vulnerable person. His defence highlighted his remorse and willingness to address his addiction. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors, including Gifford's extensive criminal history, and sentenced him to 32 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial offender jailed for theft of tourist's motorbike. Charges or matters: the unauthorised taking of a motorbike from QPark, Marlborough Street, Dublin on May 13, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 13, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 12 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2025 Incident
- 2026-06-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the unauthorised taking of a motorbike from QPark, Marlborough Street, Dublin on May 13, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She sentenced him to 32 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years.
Places mentioned
- Liberty House
- Railway Street
- Dublin
- Marlborough Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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