Three Dublin men sentenced for stealing gas cylinders

Three Dublin men who appeared before Virginia District Court charged with the larceny of gas cylinders from a store in Mullagh last June were each given suspended sentences. Glen O"Toole (30), Greaghlough, Mullagh, but formerly from Dublin, pleaded guilty to stealing three gas cylinders to the value of €450 the property of Bing Bing Dai from Maxol Service Station, Bailieboro Road, Mullagh, on June 25. Judge Sean MacBride sentenced the defendant to four months in prison suspended on him entering his own bond of €127 to keep the peace for two years. Keith Prendergast (27), 47 Rathoath Avenue, Finglas, Dublin 11 and John Walsh, 62 Deanstown Avenue, Finglas, were each given similar sentences. Prendergast was also fined €400 and disqualified from driving for five years for having no insurance on his vehicle on the same occasion. A charge of stealing a bottle of champagne valued €45 from Centra, Bailieboro Road, Mullagh, on June 23 the property of James O"Neill, was taken into account on him paying €100 to the injured party. Walsh was also ordered to pay €100 compensation to Mr. O"Neill for stealing a bag of coal and two bails of briquettes on June 23. Inspector Raymond Mahon said Mr. O"Neill informed gardaí that there had been a theft of three gas cylinders from his premises. CCTV was examined and Gardaí identified Mr. O"Toole. His house was searched and the cylinders were recovered and returned to the owner. The defendant had eight previous convictions. Continuing, he said the same evidence pertained to Prendergast and Walsh with regard to the gas cylinders. However, on June 23 they entered the premises and Prendergast took a bottle of champagne while Walsh took the coal and briquettes. The champagne was not recovered and half a bail of briquettes was. Prendergast had eight previous convictions and Walsh 17. Mr. Damien Rudden solicitor defending said all his clients were recovering alcoholics. Mr. O"Toole had been living in Mullagh for the past year and a half. He came before the court on a guilty plea and was seeking leniency.