05-05-2025
Serial thief's level of offending ‘totally off the scale', judge says
Judge Michele Finan adjourned the case for a probation report, ordering him to stay out of Dublin city centre under bail conditions
A serial thief has admitted multiple shoplifting charges in what a judge described as a level of offending that was 'off the scale'.
Dean O'Brien (28) had 'spiralled' on drugs at the time, a court heard.
Judge Michele Finan adjourned the case for a probation report, ordering him to stay out of Dublin city centre under bail conditions.
The accused, with an address at Christchurch Apartments, pleaded guilty to theft and possession of stolen property on dates late last year and early this year.
Dublin court. Stock image
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Dublin District Court heard he stole €176 of groceries and two jackets worth €259 from Marks & Spencer.
In other incidents, he was found in possession of breakdown assistance and first-aid kits, and €750 worth of stolen GHD products.
Gardaí found Apple AirPods worth €120 on him at St James's Hospital last November 16. O'Brien had 71 previous convictions.
The accused had a chaotic background and 'spiralled entirely out of control' on drugs, but was now clean, his solicitor Kate McGhee said.
He and his partner had been living in a tent, but now had accommodation.
'The level of offending before me is totally off the scale,' Judge Finan said.
