Man tried to sell former employer’s machinery online

A man who pleaded guilty to theft from a former employer over seven years ago is still held in good stead by his former boss.

Leon Cooney, 51 Ardmore Wood, Herbert Road, Bray, pleaded guilty to theft of a welder at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Herbert Avenue, Dublin 4, on April 1, 2010, at Thursday’s sitting of Bray District Court.

In 2010, Mr Cooney, then aged 21, was employed as a builder.

Earlier this year, his former employer noticed machinery belonging to him up for sale on DoneDeal. He recognised the item as being his property.

The item was returned to the rightful owner and Mr Cooney was cooperative with the gardaí at all times.

Defence Solicitor, Brendan Maloney, said the matter had never been reported until the former employer saw the item belonging to him on sale on DoneDeal. During the previous seven years it had been in the possession of Mr Cooney, who never used it.

Mr Maloney said: ‘It was a foolish decision and was returned in working order to its owner. My client was only 21 at the time and this has come back to haunt him. He left school at 17 and went straight into work.

‘He is now 29 with two children and is a full-time plumber. He regrets his actions and the injured party, believe it or not, still holds him in good stead,’ said Mr Maloney.

Judge David Kennedy ordered a Community Service Report and adjourned all matters back to January 11 2018.