‘Spur of the moment decision’ to steal tools and boots from Bundoran shop

A district court judge has requested a probation report in respect of a 60-year-old man who stole tools and boots from a Bundoran hardware shop.

Jack Conway of Streamstown, Ballisodare was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, January 21. He pleaded guilty to stealing Theft Xpert Pro Forge Safety Dealer Boots valued at €199.99 and a TopTul 54 piece Pistol Grip Ratchet Screwdriver Set valued €57.99. The offences took place at BMG Hardware, Single Street, Bundoran, on January 8, 2026, and are contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. 

The defendant asked if he wished the matter to be dealt with in the district court, or before judge and jury in the circuit court. Entering a guilty plea, the defendant indicated that he wished the matter to be heard in the district court. 

Inspector Dermot Treacy told the court that the defendant entered the store and stole the items. 

“He was arrested a short time later,” said the inspector. “The items were recovered and he made full admissions.”

The court heard that the defendant had five previous convictions for theft as well as 20 for road traffic offences. 

Solicitor Gerry McGovern said his client was an unemployed man who suffered from poor health. 

“This was a spur of the moment decision and a wrong decision that he made,” said the solicitor.

“He is willing to pay a small contribution to charity.”

Judge Éiteaín Cunningham indicated that it was not a suitable case to be dealt with by way of a poorbox contribution.

“He has a lot of previous convictions,” she said. “A number of different sentencing options have been afforded to him - probation orders, fines, suspended sentences. 

“There are recent road traffic matters in 2025 and theft in 2023. I think he would benefit from the probation service. I don’t want him to embark on this type of offending. It might help in directing him from this course.”

Judge Cunningham ordered a probation and welfare report to be carried out. She adjourned the matter to May 15 for sentencing and to allow time for the report to be prepared.

“I ask him to engage with the probation services,” said the judge. 

Legal aid was granted to Mr McGovern.