Prison for thefts for man with long list of previous

A DUNDALK-BASED defendant with numerous previous convictions was given three months’ jail when he appeared at Monaghan District Court after being arrested on bench warrants for theft and public order offences that occurred on the same day.

Brian McDonagh (30) of Lios Dubh, Armagh Road, Dundalk, Co Louth pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of Sirocco wine worth €9 from Sam’s Bridge Diner, Coolshannagh, Monaghan town, and two cans of beer and a bottle cider valued at €7.12 from Lidl, Kilnacloy, Monaghan, both on February 15, 2025.

It was also admitted by McDonagh that he was intoxicated in public at Monaghan Bus Station, Kilnacloy on the same date, in what Sergeant Lisa McEntee said was a follow on from the theft incidents. The sergeant confirmed that none of the goods taken were recovered to the stores, prompting Judge Raymond Finnegan to direct that €20 would have to be handed over in compensation.

The judge also refused a request by Catherine Taaffe, solicitor, to adjourn the case for a number of days to allow McDonagh raise this money, pointing out that the defendant had already failed to appear in court on three previous occasions in relation to these same charges. There would be no more adjournments on this, the judge emphasised, adding: “It’s being finalised one way or the other.”

Sgt McEntee said McDonagh had 97 previous convictions, the most recent being at Dundalk District Court in 2024 for two thefts, where he was given three-month suspended sentences that could be triggered by the offences now before the court. A number of other previous offences were also referred to in court, including public order breaches and thefts.

Ms Taaffe, who was standing in for Eleanor Kelly, solicitor, said her client had told her he was an alcoholic. He also had learning difficulties and considerable health issues. Describing his life circumstances as “terrible, just absolutely terrible”, she said his state of mind was very fragile because of all those health and addiction issues, and argued that prison might not act as a deterrent.

But, taking note of the fact that no compensation was in court, Judge Finnegan said he was imposing three months’ imprisonment for the Sam’s Bridge theft, with the other two charges taken into consideration.