Charged with theft

A 36-YEAR-OLD man has been told to come up with €1,000 in compensation following two incidents of theft in the Killorglin area.

Keith Lowe, listed at 6 Upper Blackwater Drive, Mallow, is charged with stealing a copper cylinder valued at €50 at Cloverhill, Killorglin on April 26; four BMW hub caps at the Fairfield, Killorglin on June 15 and possession of cannabis at Cloverhill Close on April 13.

Cahersiveen Courthouse on Thursday heard that gardaí on patrol observed a man sitting in his car when they decected the smell of cannabis, and found approximately €10 worth of the drug on April 13.

Then on April 26 at a residence in Clover Hill, materials were being removed from the house and were left in the garden with the intention of using again. A copper cylinder was stolen and subsequently uncovered at the defendant’s home.

On June 16 a BMW was parked at the rear of the Spar in the Fairfield at 7am and when the owner returned at 6pm the hub caps were missing. CCTV footage was used to help recover the items and Mr Lowe was charged with the offence.

The court heard that Mr Lowe has 30 previous convictions including burglary, larceny and public order offences. His last conviction was for cultivation of cannabis in 2014.

Defending solicitor Padraig O’Connell said his client had pleaded at the first opportunity, all goods were recovered and there was full co-operation.

“He is extremely sorry and has apologised – the only redeeming feature is his plea and the fact that there is no loss,” Mr O’Connell stated, adding that the defendant has difficulties of a medical nature and he could submit reports to clarify the details.

Judge O’Connor said there was no need and that compensation was a priority. The case was adjourned until the May sitting in Cahersiveen.