Thumb brace theft lands Carlow teen with 30 prior convictions back in jail

A TEENAGER with 30 previous convictions has been sentenced to five months’ imprisonment for the theft of a thumb brace from a Carlow pharmacy.

John Alcock, Oakley Crescent, Graiguecullen appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court a theft charge and section 4 public order, of being intoxicated in a public place.

The court heard that on 10 August this year, a Garda Rafter received a report of a theft from Tullow Street Pharmacy on Tullow Street, Carlow. 

Garda Rater said that a 19-year-old man, Mr Alcock, had entered the premises, picked up a thumb brace valued at €16.95 and left without attempting to pay.

Mr Alcock was identified from CCTV footage and the goods were not recovered.

The following day, 11 August Garda Rafter responded to several reports of a disturbance in Carlow town centre. 

The defendant was found on the street in a highly intoxicated state and was slurring his speech.

The court heard that Mr Alcock has 30 previous convictions, the most recent dating to an August 2025 theft for which he appeared at Kildare District Court in October. 

The court heard that his release date is March 2026 while it was also noted that he has a large number of convictions for public intoxication.

Solicitor Joe Farrell told the court: “The court is very familiar with Mr Alcock, who has entered a guilty plea and has not looked for disclosure.” 

He clarified that his client was “not troubling the state with asking for CCTV footage”.

In mitigation, Mr Farrell said Mr Alcock wears a “wrist assistor” because he had a problem with his hand. 

Mr Farrell continued that his client said that he didn’t take the item in question, indicating the thumb brace may have been mistaken for the wrist assistor.

Judge Carthy convicted Mr Alcock of theft and sentenced him to five months to be served concurrently with his current sentence, taking the other offence into consideration.

Court report funded by Coimisiún na Meán