Judge directs preparation of probation report on man charged with Longford thefts

A young man who has been “treated with kid gloves” by the courts will return before Judge Bernadette Owens in July. Sebastian Kubuj (23) of Clonturk, Stonepark was charged with a number of thefts.
Mr Kubuj faced charges that on August 11 2022 at Elverys, Athlone Road, Longford he stole property, blue Puma shorts, value of €22, on July 31, 2022 at Lloyds Pharmacy, Longford Shopping centre he stole three bottles of aftershave costing €108.90, on September 20, 2022 at Baxters Pharmacy, Main Street, Longford he stole perfume to the value of €97, on October 23, 2022 at Sports Direct he stole property to the value of €116, on October 23, 2022 at DV8 Ballymahon Street, Longford he stole two jackets to the value of €240, on October 23 at Supervalu, Hazelwood shopping centre, Longford he stole two bottles of rose wine costing €27 and on August 15, 2022 at Wards Pharmacy he stole perfume to the value of €91.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the most recent charge stemmed from an incident on January 8 last when the defendant entered the Lidl supermarket on Dublin Road, Longford. Mr Kubuj removed a coffee grinder, batteries and fish to the value of €51.94 from the shelves of the shop and passed all points of payment without paying for the items.
The defendant was identified on CCTV and when questioned about the incident cooperated fully and signed a note saying he took the items. The goods were recovered.
Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client has been “treated with kid gloves”.

“Some of these were irrational offences, for example fish is not the sort of thing that you bring to a fence,” Mr Gearty said.
The solicitor said Mr Kubuj was addressing his addiction issues and had €700 in compensation for the victims of his thefts; €350 from a previous sitting and another €300 on the day.
“Sebastian would like to be given time to prove himself,” Mr Gearty said and added that the “outbreak of petty larceny” had been in a condensed period.
The solicitor said Mr Kubuj was following court directions, but had a rough time over Christmas and went back on drink after he broke up with his girlfriend.
Judge Owens said whereas she accepted the defendant had made efforts to compensate, it was of concern that Mr Kubuj had come before the court on a similar offence.

“I feel that despite Mr Gearty's best efforts I am not getting the complete picture. I will direct a probation report,” Judge Owens said.
The defendant was remanded on continuing bail to return before the court on July 9 and that a probation report be compiled before that sitting. The Gardaí were given liberty to re-enter the matter.