Kerry cyclist in balaclava who swallowed cocaine is sentenced to nine months
The KerrymanA man who aroused gardai suspicion when cycling in a balaclava pled to charges of obstruction and theft in Tralee District Court on Wednesday.
Trevin Collins (34) of no fixed abode faced pled guilty to thefts totalling €376.68 from Tralee shops in August.
The five thefts ranged in value from €34.99 to €134.91 and took place between August 6 to August 29. Targeted shops included Corrib Oil, Guineys and Lidl.
Mr Colins was also charged with obstruction when he was alleged to have swallowed three grams of cocaine on September 16.
“Gardai saw a male on a bicycle wearing a balaclava,” Detective Sergeant Chris Manton told the court.
When approached, Mr Collins swallowed cocaine that was on his person, said the sergeant.
Mr Collins had 109 priors and half were for theft. The last incident was at Tralee Circuit Court last year. He was previously sentenced to Cork Prison for five months for theft in July 2024, with a two-year suspended sentence.
“He was released from prison a short time ago,” said his solicitor Pat Mann. “He was effectively homeless and trying to get accommodation. He was pillar to post trying to keep body and soul together.”
Judge Waters said his homelessness had “no bearing” on the thefts and noted stolen items included protein powder.
Mr Mann told the court his client’s mother was very ill and that he was a qualified chef.
“It’s just the homeless issue, judge,” said the solicitor.
“But for the fact that he had money for cocaine,” said the judge.
Judge Waters said he must take victims into account and duly convicted.
He sentenced Mr Collins to nine months backdated to when he went into custody on September 17.