Jailed for stealing from Japanese restaurant in Dundalk

A 44 year old man who stole the personal property of staff during a burglary at a Japanese restaurant, has been jailed for 18 months at Dundalk Circuit Court.

Robert Maguire of St Helena’s, Dundalk had pleaded guilty to entering Atami, Park Street, Dundalk as a trespasser with intent to commit theft on November 13th 2020.

The court had previously heard how the defendant had entered the staff area via a fire exit and had taken their wallets, which included Garda National Immigration Bureau ID cards, bank cards, cash and a mobile phone.

The defendant had 110 previous convictions 46 of which are for theft – with 20 of those related to burglary.

Judge Dara Hayes noted Mr. Maguire had no work history and has battled a drug addiction for a significant period.

He imposed a two and a half year sentence backdated to January 21st last when he went into custody, but the judge added in order to encourage him and incentivise him to address his addiction issues, he suspended the final 12 months on him entering a bond to be of good behaviour for a year on his release from prison.