Judge says he is ‘ tired’ of man’s story about staying out of trouble

Judge Kevin Kilrane says he is tired listening to the “story” of a heroin addict who was always promising to stay out of trouble.

“He knows how to play the system. He’s been in and out of court since I first came here eight years ago.

“He knows how to plead his case, he’s always getting out of trouble but I’m getting tired of his story, absolutely tired of his story. “

The Judge made his remarks about Stephen Conlon ( 35) of Willow Park, Maugheraboy whom the court heard was travelling up to four times a week to receive methadone at a Dublin clinic.

He admitted previously to stealing a woman’s purse containing € 250 in cash and her bank cardsat Centra, Maugheraboy on November 17th 2016 and with stealing a bicycle from the Southern Hotel on July 6th. There were also summonses for contravening a protection order.

Inspector Donal Sweeney said with regard to the Centra purse theft € 160 of the cash was recovered after the owner went after the defendant but he received a cut and his phone got smashed. The purse was not recovered which contained a number of bank and identity cards.

Judge Kilrane asked Conlon what happened the purse and he replied that he gave it to someone else and got a ‘ cut of the money.” He said his family had paid back what money that was outstanding to the victim within three to four weeks but he hadn’t told the Gardaí this. He had been on heroin at the time, he said. He agreed there was also a summons relating to an alleged theft at Boots in Jervis Shopping Centre.

Judge Kilrane said he was adjourning all matters to June 1st and warned the defendant that if there was any further offence or credible allegation against him on that date he was going to be jailed for 11 months.

The Judge said the theft of a purse was one of the lowest form or crimes which could be committed. Keys, credit and bank cards and phones were often kept in purses and it was not just stealinga bit of leather but of a person’s identity. “You may not appreciate that as you only want to steal to get a fix,” he said. The Judge added that if only purely for the protection of the public he would lock the defendant up. “Whether you solve your drug problem is up to you. You are getting one last chance. If you have the good sense you will take it. I really don’t mind.” said Judge Kilrane.