Alcoholic given chance to avoid going to prison

A chronic alcoholic with over 100 convictions has been given until February 23 to get himself into an alcohol treatment programme.

Mohamed Xussein, 24 Richmond Hill, Fasaroe, Bray, appeared before Bray District Court on Thursday charged with stealing a roll-on bottle of deodorant.

On November 12, Xussein entered Hilton Pharmacy on Bray and was observed taking a bottle of deodorant and walking out of the premises without paying. The incident took place at 4.40 p.m. and the accused was recognised by a number of members of staff who are familiar with him. He was arrested at 4.55 p.m. on Florence Road and the stolen item was recovered.

Xussein is a Somalian native who entered Ireland seeking asylum. However, a decision on his status still hasn’t been reached. While the defendant has over 100 convictions, close to 69 of them for theft or similar charges, the gardaí acknowledged that alcohol was his biggest problem. It was also stressed that none of Xussein’s convictions involved violence of any form.

His last two court appearances were on June 26 of this year and October 8 of last year. In June he received an eight month sentence, partially suspended on the condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period of time.

In October 2013 he received a 12 month sentence, suspended on the condition he keep the peace for two years.

Judge William Early noted, ‘in excess of 100 convictions is an awful lot.’

However, he took note of the offence, of the amount involved and of the early guilty plea.

Xussein was remanded on bail until the February 23 sitting of Bray District Court to enable him to take up placement on an alcohol recovery programme.

Judge Early warned, ‘I recommend the benefit of the probation act and that he finish the programme and doesn’t come to the attention of the gardai between then, otherwise he can expect a custodial sentence.’