‘Drive off’: Man pleads guilty to theft of diesel from Longford retailer

A man already serving a “significant prison sentence” has appeared before a recent sitting of Longford District Court on a charge of theft.

John Nevin of 82 Ardilaun Heights, Mullingar, Westmeath pleaded guilty to the theft of €60 worth of diesel from Spar in Knock, Lanesboro, on August 6, 2024. 

Mr Nevin pleaded guilty to the offence, described by Judge Owens as “a drive off”. He told the court that he had been “homeless and going through a bad patch” at the time of the offence. The prosecuting Garda was Emma Kiernan of Ballymahon Station. 

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Addressing Mr Nevin’s solicitor, Mr Frank Gearty, Judge Owens said, “If memory serves me correctly, Mr Nevin is already serving a significant sentence.”

“He is, Judge,” confirmed Mr Gearty, “but he’s using it to rehabilitate.” 

Taking into account Mr Nevin’s guilty plea as well as the fact that he was already serving a lengthy sentence, Judge Owens said she would apply Section 1(2) of the Probation Act meaning that while the court accepts the defendant committed the crime and is guilty, it is not recorded as a conviction and is, in effect, dismissed.

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