Longford iPhone thief who stole device from shopping centre 'gave in to temptation'

A Longford man who stole a mobile phone valued at €1,000 from outside a supermarket has been convicted and fined.

John Kelly (44) of St Michael's Road, Longford pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to a charge of theft from SuperValu, Hazelwood Shopping Centre, Lanesboro Road, Longford on February 2 last.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said the injured party in this case sat on a bench outside the front door of the retail outlet and she left her mobile phone on the bench.

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The prosecuting officer stated that the device fell behind the bench and the woman subsequently left the area without her device and this was captured on CCTV.

"This gentleman subsequently came along and he saw the phone and he took it," added Sgt Mahon, who stated that the defendant was also identified on CCTV.

The senior officer said the defendant had subsequently returned the iPhone to the owner.

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"He was fully cooperative with the Gardaí."

Mr Kelly had 30 previous convictions.

Solicitor John Quinn said his client had "found" the phone, but Judge Bernadette Owens asked why he did not go into the shop and hand it in?

Mr Quinn stated Mr Kelly, a social welfare recipient,, "succumbed to the temptation” but he cooperated with Gardaí.

Judge Owens convicted Mr Kelly and fined him €300 with nine months to pay