Man warned he's on 'very, very thin ice' after Twin Towns theft spree

A young man has been told that he is on ‘very, very thin ice’ after appearing in court with his brother charged with stealing bottles of wine during a spate of thefts in the Twin Towns on Tuesday.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham warned Andrew Bladek that he had ‘tried the patience’ of the court, the general public and the businesses community of Ballybofey and Stranorlar.

Bladek, a 23-year-old with an address at Glenpatrick Park, Ballybofey appeared at Wednesday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court with his brother and co-accused Jacob Dabek, a 25-year-old of the same address, following the series of thefts.

Bladek pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of a bottle of wine, each valued at €10, from Andies Superstore, Stranorlar, on July 4, 2023.

On each occasion, at 3.10pm, 5.05pm and 6.18pm, Bladek placed a bottle of wine down his trousers and left the store. The win, with a total value of €30, was not recovered.

Bladek was also before the court charged with stealing a bottle of wine valued at €9 from SuperValue, Ballybofey on the same date.

Detective Garda John O’Sullivan said that two males were observed entering the store and placing a bottle of wine in their clothing before passing all points of payment without paying for the goods. Only one of the bottles was recovered.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that Bladek became aggressive when approached by Gardai and was arrested. When he sobered up, Bladek was said to have been ‘apologetic and co-operative’.

Dabek pleaded guilty to the theft of a bottle of wine valued at €9 from SuperValu, Ballybofey, on July 4, 2023. The bottle was recovered after Dabek was approached by the manager of the shop.

Dabek also pleaded guilty to entering Andies Superstore, Stranorlar, at 5.05pm and 6.18pm and taking a bottle of wine, each valued at €10.

The two men were arrested after being spotted by Gardai at Main Street, Ballybofey.

Solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien represented both men and said his clients had begun drinking before running out of alcohol.

“It is petty larceny, it is sad and it is pathetic that they put their own liberties at risk for such small amounts,” Mr O’Brien said. “They cannot give any reason. It was foolish.

Regarding Bladek, Mr O’Brien said he wants to go into rehab and seek help. He said his client had got a job but could not afford the tools to allow him to begin the employment.

He said Bladek needs help and told the court that ‘imprisonment is not always the right course of action’.

Dabek was working in forestry until he was recently let go from that position.

Judge Cunningham said that Bladek would be ‘better suited in demonstrating his intentions’.

Sergeant Collins said Gardai would accede to a request for a short remand on bail to allow Bladek get a referral for addiction treatment

“This court takes a very, very serious view,” Judge Cunningham said. “I have time and time again given Mr Bladek the benefit of the doubt. The court has tried to assist him.

“I can clearly see that he is an individual not without hope, but he is trying the patience of this court, the public and the businesses of Ballybofey and Stranorlar. This type of behaviour can’t continue and it won’t be tolerated.

“He has to realise that he is on very, very thin ice. The court’s patience has been tried and tested.”

Bladek was granted bail on condition that he not commit any offence and be of otherwise good behaviour. He is to provide Gardai with a telephone number and be contactable at all times. Bladek is to remain alcohol and drug free and stay out of Andies Superstore and Supervalu. He was further ordered to attend with his GP with a view to a referral.

Bladek was remanded on bail to appear again before Letterkenny District Court on Monday, July 10.

“You are being given an opportunity and you need to take it,” Judge Cunningham told Bladek.

In the case of Dabek, Judge Cunningham said it was concerning that he was embarking on a similar pattern.

“I would be concerned and every effort should be made to avoid him going down a similar line,” Judge Cunningham said, directing that a probation and welfare report be prepared.

Dabek was granted bail on the same conditions and is due to appear again before Letterkenny District Court on Monday, July 10.