Man ordered to pay compensation for Aldi thefts
The defendant was identified on CCTV footage
A 37-YEAR-OLD Carlow man who pleaded guilty to stealing over €100 worth of goods from Aldi has been ordered to pay full compensation within three months. Patrick Doogue, 25 Old Burrin, Main House, Burrin Road, Carlow appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin having entered guilty pleas to the theft charges.
The court heard that on 27 November 2024 gardaí responded to a theft at Aldi, Hanover Road, Carlow, where goods worth €85.66 had been stolen. Mr Doogue was identified on CCTV footage and subsequently arrested. He was also charged with the theft of €24.33 worth of goods from the same Aldi on a separate occasion.
The defendant, who has 33 previous convictions with the most recent being a breach of a safety order matter before Naas District Court, was represented by solicitor John O’Sullivan.
Mr O’Sullivan appealed for leniency, telling the court: “With regard to the extensive previous, kindly give him the benefit of the . I am asking for leniency – my client has custody, care and control of his children and one child has difficulties on the autism scale.”
When Judge Cronin enquired whether Mr Doogue had brought compensation for the thefts, his solicitor said he hadn’t, providing a statement of means and explaining that his client had also applied for legal aid.
Judge Cronin did not appear impressed. “A party has a loss in relation to these matters. I appreciate circumstances are difficult, but if he had put away €4 a week, he would have the full amount today,” she said.
When asked how long it would take to raise the funds, Mr Doogue, who was present in court, said he could have the money within three months.
Judge Cronin ordered that €120 be paid in full by 17 September and remanded him on continuing bail.
