Louth shoplifter was going through ‘bad break-up’ at time of offending

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 30-year-old man who pleaded guilty to thefts from shops in Drogheda has been jailed for four months.

Martin Joyce, St Laurence’s Drive, Drogheda, is presently serving a circuit court sentence.

The district court heard that on May 10, 2024, he was among a group of four men who went into Eurospar, Bredin Street, where the manager was threatened.

They said that they would come back and get him. He fled to the toilets.

Detergent valued €75.20 was taken by the defendant. He subsequently made no admissions. A robbery charge followed.

The same day at Centra, Hardmans Gardens, four men grabbed numerous items worth €155.

On the following July 22, Mr Joyce was one of two men who concealed €198 candles in shopping bags at Tesco Extra.

He was again part of a gang who went to the same store on August 31, 2024, taking property valued €185.95.

Further evidence was given that on February 20 last he paid for petrol at Maxol, Ballymakenny Road, but not for two cans of Red Bull, cake and biscuits which he concealed.

There are 8 previous convictions, including for theft.

Mr Joyce has a release date of February 20 from the sentence being served followed by a period of Probation Service supervision.

Solicitor Fergal Boyle said that his client was going through a difficult break-up at the time.

He took tablets and other substances to deal with his mental health.

The defendant was off drugs in custody.

Judge Nicola Andrews imposed consecutive two-month sentences on two of the charges, taking the others into consideration.