Louth serial shoplifter a ‘plague’ and a ‘pest’ to Drogheda businesses

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 24-year-old man who pleaded guilty to 32 theft charges and other offences has been described as a “plague” and a “pest” to shops in Drogheda.

Jason Smith, St Joseph’s Homeless Aid, North Strand, Drogheda, appeared via video link and the district court heard that he had been living in a tent and “going around in circles”.

He was sentenced to a total of eight months jail time after portions of some sentences were suspended, one of the conditions being that he stay off West Street in the town.

Details were given of shoplifting which occurred over a period from June 2023 to last May.

Among the premises he targeted, most on more than one occasion, were Tesco Metro, Hickey’s Pharmacy, Dunnes Stores, EuroGiant and Drogheda Town Centre, all in West Street; Circle K, North Road; Centra, Rathmullen Road; Eurospar, Bredin Street; Londis, Yellowbatter; Centra, Mell and Cottage Pharmacy, Scarlet Street.

The defendant mostly took alcohol and on one occasion a €300 hamper from Hickey’s.

Evidence was given of a public order incident which occurred in West Street on August 3, 2023, when a candle was smashed over the head of another man.

The DPP had directed summary disposal of an assault causing harm charge on a guilty plea only.

Gardaí accepted that Mr Smith did not hit the victim but he was present at the time.

There were 33 previous convictions, including for theft and assault.

Solicitor Fergal Boyle said that his client was “a plague on businesses in the locality”.

He had been “going around in circles” and living in a tent with little or no structure in his life.

The items were not recovered. He was an “absolute pest” and accepted that. There was no excuse for the offences.

The defendant had struggled to address a drug addiction. There was a long waiting list to see a counsellor in prison.

He needed somewhere to live to properly engage with services.

Judge Nicola Andrews noted that she had given Mr Smith suspended sentences before and warned him that if he appeared in front of her again she would refuse jurisdiction.