Detention for teen who stole Limerick councillor’s iPad

A TEENAGE boy who stole an iPad and briefcase belonging to former mayor, Kieran O’Hanlon, has been sentenced to two months detention.

Last month, the 17-year-old pleaded guilty to stealing the items, from the city councillor’s car, which was parked at Sarsfield Court, Garryowen on February 23, last.

The offence happened while Cllr O’Hanlon was attending the funeral of former Mayor of Limerick, Frank Prendergast, at St John’s Cathedral.

The defendant, who cannot be named, was identified on CCTV after Cllr O’Hanlon alerted gardai to the theft.

Judge Mary Larkin was told the iPad - the property of Limerick City and County Council - was not recovered but that the briefcase was found nearby.

The total value of the stolen property was €350.

Separately, the youth admitted stealing a mobile phone from a friend after he asked if he could use it on March 23, last.

Solicitor John Herbert said his client, who has 35 previous convictions, comes from a “dysfunctional home” and that he suffers from

ADHD and doesn’t always take his medication.

He said his client’s parents separated when he was young and that he has “dabbled” with intoxicants in the past .

Yesterday, Judge Larkin was told the contents of a Probation Report were not positive and that the defendant’s past “has caught up with him”.

Judge Larkin was told the 17-year-old’s mother has “sorted out” his son’s friend in relation to his mobile phone.

However the judge said the defendant “has to take responsibility” and that she was not impressed that it was being left to his mother to raise compensation.

Noting that the Probation Service is not in a position to offer support to the teenager in the community, she sentenced the young man to two months detention at Trinity House in Dublin.

The sentence was back-dated to March 24 last meaning he will be released within a few weeks.