Suspended sentence for man who stole from shop because ‘wife needed a charger’

A man with 75 previous convictions who stole a socket and charging adapter said he did so because he was stuck and his wife needed a charger.

The court heard that the defendant had been returning other items to the shop at the time, and was kindly reimbursed for those items.

James Sweeney, 43, of 36 Fahy Gardens, Loughrea, County Galway was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, January 16. He faced a charge that on August 7, 2025 at Homesavers, Saimer Court, Townparks, Ballyshannon, he stole an Ever Ready two-socket plug and USB charging adaptor valued at €15. The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. 

Sweeney was asked if he wanted to have the matter dealt with in the district court, or before judge and jury in the circuit court. He opted for the district court, and pleaded guilty to the offence. 

Inspector Dermot Treacy told the court that the items had been recovered but were not in a saleable condition. However, Mr Sweeney then paid for the goods. 

The court heard that the defendant had 75 previous convictions, to which Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said: “It seems he hasn’t learned anything over the years in Castlerea. He has had fines, he has had community service, there doesn't seem to be anything that will deter him.”

The defendant took the stand. 

His solicitor Gerry McGovern reminded him that staff in the shop had been welcoming and helpful in assisting Sweeney in returning two throws.

The solicitor said: “It is not the value of the items, it is what you have been up to in your life. Can you give the judge any reasons why you did this?

Sweeney said: “I was stuck on the day. I was up here with my wife and child. She said she needed a charger.”

Judge Cunningham said: “You have 75 previous convictions.”

The defendant responded: “I am trying to change my ways.”

When the judge asked how he was doing so, Sweeney said: “My wife is worried about it.”

Mr McGovern said that after the offence was reported, his client had been approached by Garda Marc Geraghty who was known to him, and he had made full admissions. 

In considering sentencing, Judge Cunningham said: “I have to be cognisant of the fact that businesses are struggling on a day to day basis and to have to endure this type of behaviour is too serious.

“Noting 75 previous convictions, a lot of them are relevant to the matter that has come before the court.”

The judge imposed a conviction and two-month prison sentence, which she suspended for 12 months on a bond of €200. 

She warned Sweeney: “If you are not before the court in 12 months, that will indicate that you are committed to changing your ways. “If you come back before the court, the two-month sentence will be enforced.”