Louth man returned keys he swiped from Indian restaurant after being unable to drive car

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 29-year-old man returned keys he swiped from a Dundalk takeaway after being unable to drive a car which was parked outside.

Cian Nulty, with an address at the time of Simon Community, Barrack Street, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to burglary and to taking possession of a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

The defendant, who has 129 previous convictions, was remanded on continuing bail for a probation report.

The district court heard that at 8.30pm on April 19, 2023, the victim was preparing food at the back of Punjab Curry House, Dublin Street, when a man came inside, went behind the counter and took keys.

He attempted to drive off in a car but was unable and gave the keys back before walking off. The incident was captured on CCTV.

Mr Nulty was co-operative and made a full admission.

Separately, he also pleaded guilty to attempting to get into a stationary vehicle without consent at Beacon Court, Coe’s Road, on May 8, 2023.

His most recent conviction was in March 2020, while he completed a four-year sentence in 2022, counsel said.

Barrister Niall Mackin, instructed by solicitor Paul Moore, added that the incident in question occurred at the height of his client’s addiction.

He was drug free since the birth of his daughter on September 5, 2024, after getting sober by himself.

Mr Nulty recently began working three days a week with Daybreak. A family man, he also has a stepson, he doesn’t want to return to offending.

He had turned over a new leaf and was willing to engage with the Probation Service.

A letter from the defendant’s partner was available.

Gardaí said that he had not come to their attention in the last two years.

Judge Michael Ramsey remarked it was commendable what Mr Nulty managed to achieve on his own.

The case was put back to December 3 for a probation report.