Serial Thief Jailed for 12 Months After Latest Offences

court news Jan 31, 2025

A Limavady man with an extensive criminal record has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to two recent thefts.

Paul Ireland, of Eventite Gardens, appeared via video link from Waterside Custody Suite at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court this morning, where he entered guilty pleas on both charges.

The court heard that on 30th December 2024, Ireland stole 24 bottles of Smirnoff vodka, worth £426, from Moran’s Filling Station. Less than a month later, on 26th January, he stole hair curlers valued at £70 from Tesco in Limavady.

A police constable told the court she could connect the accused to the charges.

It was also revealed that Ireland has an appalling record, with 271 previous offences to his name. The court was told he was already in breach of suspended sentences, with the latest offences occurring just weeks after a previous court appearance in December.

The Judge, noting Ireland’s history, remarked that he had “no intention of not reoffending” and sentenced him to a total of 12 months in custody. An offender levy was also imposed on each charge.