Probation report sought on man with a history of theft
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court.
A man has appeared in court for stealing alcohol from a South Mayo shop.
Jaroslaw Pawlowski, aged 55, of 87 Frenchpark, Oranmore, Co Galway, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to theft from McHugh’s Spar, Ballindine.
The court heard the defendant entered the shop on January 13, 2024, and concealed bottles of Hennessy and Smirnoff, valued at €69.98, before leaving without paying. The goods were not recovered.
Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client has about 70 previous convictions. The majority are for road traffic matters and public disorder, adding that the last conviction for theft appeared to be in 2017.
He told the court that Pawlowski had been living in Ireland since 2003 and had poor English. Alcohol abuse appeared to be an ongoing issue.
Mr Mulchrone said his client was divorced with three adult children. He worked as a plasterer when he first came to Ireland. He said there had been a long period of non-offending and that the accused had brought compensation to court for the shop.
Judge Sandra Murphy noted that the accused had a history of theft dating back to when he first arrived in Ireland in 2003. Pawlowski had previously received jail sentences, yet he was not staying out of difficulty.
Judge Murphy adjourned the case to May 6 for a probation report.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
