Four months for coal theft

A Dublin father of six with a staggering criminal record has been jailed for four months after stealing hundreds of euros worth of coal from a Cavan retailer.

Edward McBride (49), of Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, appeared before Judge Raymond Finnegan at Cavan District Court already serving a six-month sentence - though due for release next month.

McBride pleaded guilty to the theft of €506 worth of coal from North Pole Fuels in Cavan Town on January 23, 2024.

The court heard he had 94 previous convictions at the time, the majority for public order and road traffic offences, though he also had priors for theft and drugs.

His solicitor, Garrett Fortune, said McBride would be willing to compensate the injured party if given the opportunity, but that his current imprisonment made that impossible.

Mr Fortune said that McBride was “asked to collect” the coal from the premises, accepting that his client “didn’t ask questions”.

There was “CCTV everywhere”.

While it took time to track McBride down after the offence, the court heard a second suspect remains at large.

“We’re unaware who made the call,” accepted Sergeant Damien Galligan, adding that McBride was “one of two” men who attended the premises.

Judge Finnegan imposed a four-month prison sentence.