Wicklow teen given second chance after using stolen debit card and stealing from Lifestyle Sports

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

A teenager has avoided a custodial prison sentence after admitting offences including using a stolen bank card to buy a pizza and passing a counterfeit €50 note.

The juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before a sitting of Bray District Court for sentencing.

Solicitor for the defendant, Joe Maguire, told the court that his client was seeking an opportunity to move on with their life.

Mr Maguire suggested that, if his client did not come to the attention of gardaí before their 18th birthday, they would be left with a “clean record”.

In April 2023, the defendant stole items from a Lifestyle Sports store in Wicklow. They also passed a counterfeit €50 note.

At a pizza franchise in November 2023, they used a stolen debit card to purchase a pizza.

In mitigation, the court was told that the youth’s parents had separated, following multiple incidents of domestic violence.

However, since engaging with the Probation Service, the accused has stayed out of trouble, with their solicitor adding that they have received substantial support from their mother.

Mr Maguire noted that his client’s siblings have also been “dramatically” affected, as they too were subjected to significant violence during their childhood.

Judge Andy Gubbins sentenced the youth to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for a period of two years, remarking: “I wish you all the best in the future.”