Man with nearly 280 previous convictions accused over series of thefts at shops across the north west
A man with nearly 280 previous convictions allegedly encouraged others to act for him as part of a series of new thefts at shops across the north west, the High Court has heard.
Prosecutors claimed Paul Ireland stole hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol, perfume and confectionery from supermarkets and convenience stores targeted in Limavady and Coleraine.
The 38-year-old was refused bail after a judge rejected suggestions he could be released under a blanket ban on entering any retail premises.
Ireland, of Anderson Crescent in Limavady, is charged with seven thefts, two assaults on police, disorderly behaviour, criminal damage and common assault on one shop worker.
The alleged crime spree was carried out on dates between September 20 to October this year at branches of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Spar and a local chemist.
Ireland is accused of taking at least £760 worth of products from the stores.
Opposing his application for bail, Crown counsel argued that he has 277 previous convictions, including multiple offences of theft, fraud and handling stolen goods.
She claimed he had returned to crime within two months of being released from custody, and that he stole to order in an attempt to fund a chronic alcohol and drug habit.
“The evidence in this case also shows he is encouraging others to act on his behalf to commit the same behaviour,” the barrister submitted.
Sean Doherty, defending, insisted there was no basis for those claims.
He argued that his client is still entitled to be presumed innocent and questioned why an alleged “co-conspirator” has not been arrested.
The court also heard Ireland has been given further motivation to stay clean due to the imminent birth of his first grandchild.
“He aspires to be a much better grandfather than he has been a father,” Mr Doherty added.
“The risk could be dealt with by a blanket prohibition on the applicant entering any commercial or retail premises.”
Despite being urged to give Ireland one opportunity, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan ruled that the risk of re-offending was too high.
“No-one can look past the 277 previous (convictions),” she said.
“I just couldn’t grant bail on the basis that I don’t think the conditions would be kept.