Man stole over €100 worth of goods from Tesco has 50 previous convictions

A MAN who stole over €100 worth of goods from a Tesco in The Square Shopping Centre received a fine and a suspended sentence.

Peter Griffin (42), of Russell Grove, Russell Square, Tallaght, appeared before Tallaght District Court charged with theft of groceries to the value of €106.57 Tesco Ireland and public order offences from a date on February 1, 2023.

The court heard that gardai were called to a Tesco in The Square on the date, and the defendant acted in an “aggressive” manner.

Mr Griffin has 50 previous convictions, 21 for public order with eight of those for section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, the court heard.

Defence solicitor Ethan Foley BL said on the day in question, his client was intoxicated and had no recollection of the event.

Appealing for leniency, Mr Foley said his client was apologetic and is a father to six kids, three of whom have autism requiring extra care.

The court heard that as a fulltime parent Mr Griffin was not working and is a recipient of jobseekers allowance.

Judge Patricia McNamara sentenced the defendant to three months suspended for 12 months and fined him €200 with five months to pay.

 Funded by The Local Courts Reporting Scheme