Wicklow man with 102 previous convictions jailed for series of thefts
The Wicklow PeopleAn Arklow man who is currently serving time in Cloverhill Prison was sentenced at Bray District Court after pleading guilty to several thefts committed across Arklow.
Dylan Keegan (31) of 13 The Green, Meadowvale, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty at Bray District Court to three counts of theft.
Sergeant Anthony Flynn told the court that Mr Keegan was identified by gardaí from Arklow Garda Station via shop CCTV on three separate occasions at different premises across Arklow.
The court was told Mr Keegan has 102 previous convictions, 19 of which are for theft. He is currently serving a sentence at Cloverhill Prison on unrelated matters and has eight months left to serve.
The solicitor for Mr Keegan told the court that his client “has had a hard life”. The court heard he now has a good relationship with his mother and has received psychiatric help from Dr Kieran O’Loughlin. Judge David Kennedy was given a letter that Dr O’Loughlin had written on Mr Keegan’s behalf.
The court was told Keegan engaged in small thefts to help fund his addiction to a variety of substances. Mr Keegan’s solicitor informed the court his client is now sober and receiving 40 mg of methadone per day.
The solicitor for the defendant said: “My client has recently been diagnosed with multiple psychiatric disorders.” They added: “That includes ADHD and Asperger's syndrome.”
The court heard that upon his release Mr Keegan wants to link in with some addiction supports to get the help he needs.
Judge Kennedy said: “It is extremely difficult to overlook the number of previous convictions.”
Judge Kennedy sentenced Mr Keegan to 10 months imprisonment to run concurrently, and gave him a further 12 months but suspended it for two years.
Judge Kennedy warned Mr Keegan: “I will have no hesitation in enforcing the suspended sentence if you come in front of me again.”