Youth who helped steal tablet computers from Dublin bookshop to be sentenced ...

Thursday 12 December 2013

Youth who helped steal tablet computers from Dublin bookshop to be sentenced ...

The 17-year-old boy had pleaded guilty in October at the Dublin Children's Court A YOUTH, who helped steal 25 tablet computers during a series of brazen burglaries at Reads bookshop on Nassau Street in Dublin, is to be sentenced in January.

The 17-year-old boy had pleaded guilty in October at the Dublin Children's Court to burglary and attempted theft charges in connection with the offences which occurred on July 6, twice on July 7 and again on July 8 last.

Judge John O'Connor noted today that a positive probation report on the teenager had been furnished to the court. He told the teenager if he does not continue to engage with the Probation Service he faces a 'high risk of going into custody'.

The teenager, who was accompanied to his hearing by his father, was remanded on continuing bail to appear again for sentencing on January 23 next when an updated report will be furnished to the court.

Over the first two dates, the youth, who is from Romania, went into the shop's store room at around lunch-time and removed 25 tablet computers, with a total value of €5,475, and left the premises.

None of the stolen devices were recovered, Garda Cathal Feely has told Judge O'Connor

A day later, on July 8, the boy and a group of people returned and another 20 tablet computers, which were each worth €219, were taken from the store room and put on the shop floor however this time another theft was foiled when a member of staff noticed what was happening.

Gda Feely agreed with defence solicitor Michelle Finan that the boy, who has two prior convictions for theft offences, was co-operative and made admissions following his arrest.

Ms Finan told the court that the boy is out of school but his father wanted him to get back into education. The teen's father was not aware his son was involved in this activity and hoped his son could avoid a custodial sentence.

The teen has already been banned, for the duration of the case, from being in the entire Dublin city-centre area, except for court appearances and scheduled meetings with his solicitor.

Another youth, who has also admitted taking part in the thefts, is to appear at the juvenile court next week.