A JUDGE says he is considering a custodial sentence as he gives a Donegal man the chance to ‘mend his hand’.
David Gardiner (25) of Coopers Crest, Milford, was before Letterkenny District Court on two theft charges.
Gardiner also appeared on criminal damage charges and on charges relating to a road traffic collision.
At 7pm on 21 July, 2018, Gardiner made off without paying for two bowls of soup, to the value of €8 from Kelly’s Centra, Mountain Top, Letterkenny. Gardiner made full admissions when spoken to by Gardaí.
At 2.45m on 24 August, 2019, Gardiner stole five cans of Captain Morgan and a packet of socks from Tesco, Letterkenny. The culprit was apprehended by shop security and the property, to the value of €18.60 was recovered.
On June 29, 2018, Gardaí were called to a single vehicle collision at Magheraboy, Raphoe. The driver fled the scene before Gardaí arrived. After a search of the area, Gardiner was found by Gardai and admitted that he took the vehicle without permission and without having any support documentation.
Gardiner was also charged with criminal damage for an incident on December 11, 2015.
The court heard that Gardiner had failed to complete community service and a number of bench warrants were issued for him.
“I have no excuse for that,” Gardiner told Judge Paul Kelly.
Solicitor for Gardiner, Mr Patsy Gallagher said his client was homeless for a time and had been unable to get social welfare. Mr Gallagher said his client had suffered from ‘many addictions’.
Judge Kelly adjourned the case until September 21 for the preparation of a probation report and a community service report.
“You need to contact the probation service now and if you’re back here in September and I found that you have nor turned up, I won’t waste my time and will impose a custodial sentence,” Judge Kelly said.
“I may still do that, but I am giving you a chanced to mend you hand.”
* In an earlier edition we stated that Mr Gardiner lived at number 25 Cooper’s Court but this is not the case. He lives at another house at Cooper’s Court. We are happy to clarify this and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Tags: