A drunk shoplifter with 43 previous convictions who stole nearly €200 worth of alcohol has received the Probation Act.
John Keeley’s solicitor, Michael Hennessy, asked Judge John Lindsay at Tallaght District Court to take “a compassionate approach”.
Keeley (49) with an address at Glenmore Park, Ballyboden, pleaded guilty to stealing alcohol worth €183.09 from Superquinn, Knocklyon, on October 31st, 2014.
Sergeant Bernard Jones told the court that on the above date, Keeley selected the alcohol and attempted to leave the shop without paying for it.
Sgt Jones said a security guard then tried to stop Keeley from leaving.
The gardaí, who had been called, arrived at the scene and a struggle ensued but Keeley was arrested.
Sgt Jones said Keeley had 43 previous convictions.
Mr Hennessy said his client was “actually drunk the time it happened”.
He said Keeley’s wife has a serious illness and was in hospital at the time of the incident.
He added: “I’m asking you to take a compassionate approach”.
Judge Lindsay applied the Probation Act.