UPDATE: Sentence for burglar who stole from four different stores in Naas, County Kildare

CONVICTED

A man who broke into four different stores in Naas has been sentenced in relation to his offences.

Judge Desmond Zaidan made the decision to convict Thomas 'TJ' Ryan, with an address listed as 125 Saint Michael’s Avenue in County Tipperary, but who is currently in custody, at Naas District Court on Thursday, September 19 last.

The 33-year-old appeared before the court via video-link as he is serving a sentence for other matters.

Previously, the court was told that on February 3 last, Mr Ryan burgled a number of stores in Naas: Hale Vaping at the Moat Mall, The Stationary Store Limited on the Dublin Road, Barber Shop 7, also on the Dublin Road, and Hair by Liz Bergin, also on the Dublin Road.

On the latest court date, Mr Ryan admitted to committing the offences.

Judge Zaidan noted that on the charge sheets, Mr Ryan had stolen two scissors and a packet of lollipops from one of the stores, as well as vapes totalling €500.

According to the gardaí, all of the stolen items were recovered.

It was also heard that Mr Ryan has three previous convictions for theft, and one previous conviction for a criminal damage offence.

"Do you remember any of it?" he asked Mr Ryan.

"No," Mr Ryan responded.

"Did you even get the chance to enjoy the lollipops?" the judge jokingly asked him next.

"No," Mr Ryan replied.

Mr Ryan was defended by solicitor Tim Kennelly. File photograph.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said that his client has been in custody since April.

He said that his client has struggled with addiction issues, but stressed that he 'is in a better place now.'

"Nobody was inside the premises [that Mr Ryan burgled]; not that I'm trying to excuse it," Mr Kennelly added.

Commenting further on his client, Mr Kennelly said: "TJ has said, in his own words, that he was 'out of it' at the time. When he is sober, he is an absolute gentleman."

He also asked Judge Zaidan to backdate any custodial sentence he would impose on his client to the date in April.

In addition, he pointed out his client's guilty plea — "There is a lot to be said about how he is approaching this," Mr Kennelly told the judge.

Considering his verdict over the case, Judge Zaidan noted the defence from Mr Kennelly, but added that Mr Ryan forced entry into the four premises, and that this 'would have cost them [the owners] money.'

He decided to impose a 12-month custodial sentence on Mr Ryan, and agreed to backdate this to the date in April.

The judge also set appeal at €500.

Mr Ryan thanked Judge Zaidan at the end of the court session.