Elvis will not leave the building for four months

Judge jailed ‘tourist criminal’ for thefts

A ROMANIAN man, who gardaí described as a “tourist criminal”, has been sentenced to four months in prison for stealing groceries.

Elvis Dulea whose address is listed as Bucharest, has a wife and two children in Romania.

He was produced at the April 17 sitting of Cavan District Court from Castlerea prison where he is currently serving a two-month sentence for a similar matter.

When he appeared before Judge Raymond Finnegan Dulea pleaded guilty to stealing €19.33 worth of groceries from Tarpey’s SuperValu on Dublin Road, Cavan on February 9, last.

“It’s part of wider matters and matters before other courts. He’s been convicted before,” Inspector Patrick Hannon told the judge.

The court heard that Dulea was convicted and fined at Kilkenny District Court on April 4 and before that, was sentenced to two months in prison following a conviction at Sligo District Court on November 25 last.

“He’s a tourist criminal who comes into this country,” Inspector Hannon said. “He works now and again in construction. On this occasion, he was driving through Cavan and stopped to get groceries for home, but he had no money.”

“I think a message needs to go out to Mr Dulea that the cost of living is more difficult for everyone here because of his behaviour,” Judge Finnegan said before convicting Elvis Dulea of theft and sentencing him to four months in prison.

The judge set recognisance in the event of an appeal at €100 and ordered an independent surety of €750 to be approved in advance.

Elvis Dulea will start the four-month prison sentence handed down in Cavan District Court after he completes the two-month one he is currently serving.

* Published with support from the Court Reporting Scheme.