Latest news with #PietaHouse
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Grandad who stole alcohol using wire cutter to pay drug debt is spared jail
'These are serious matters - stealing alcohol in order to pay off a drug debt is not acceptable' A 54-year-old man who stole 17 bottles of spirits to repay a drug debt has been given a probation bond. Brian Early, of St Joseph's Avenue, Newbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in relation to two incidents in February last year. The court heard that on February 12, 2024, Early stole 17 bottles of alcohol worth €660 from Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt, Dublin 18. Detective Sergeant Wendy Byrne told the court that Early had removed the security tags from the bottles using wire cutters. He had made a small payment for a packet of toilet rolls to give the impression of a legitimate purchase. Photo: Getty. Today's News in 90 Seconds - 08 July 2025 She said the theft was premeditated and that two bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin, worth €50 to €60 each, were recovered. When asked by Judge Conor Fottrell if all of the stolen goods had been retrieved, Sgt Byrne said not all were recovered, but the total value taken was approximately €700. Silvia-Maria Crowley BL, counsel for the defence, said Early, a father and grandfather, had developed a serious addiction to crack cocaine in recent years. After a five-year battle with cancer and the death of his father, his life became 'chaotic,' the court was told. She said her client stole the alcohol to repay a drug debt, but has since gone cold turkey and remained clean for the past 10 months. The court heard he did not attend a formal drug programme but had sought support from Pieta House after a previous mental health crisis. Ms Crowley said that her client receives a disability allowance and had entered guilty pleas at an early stage. He is no longer in counselling but is making efforts to rebuild his life, the court heard. Judge Fottrell noted the court was told the offences arose out of a drug debt. "That may well be the case - but it's ridiculous. You need to sort it out,' he told the defendant. 'These are serious matters - stealing alcohol in order to pay off a drug debt is not acceptable. But I accept you've taken steps to address your situation,' he added. Taking into account the guilty plea, Early's personal circumstances and his engagement with support services, Judge Fottrell imposed a 12-month probation bond on condition that Early keeps the peace and engages in good behaviour. 'I suggest you continue to engage with Pieta House and any further counselling available to you,' the judge said. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
‘It's ridiculous. You need to sort it out' – Grandad who stole alcohol using wire cutter to pay drug debt is spared jail
Brian Early, of St Joseph's Avenue, Newbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in relation to two incidents in February last year. The court heard that on February 12, 2024, Early stole 17 bottles of alcohol worth €660 from Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt, Dublin 18. Detective Sergeant Wendy Byrne told the court that Early had removed the security tags from the bottles using wire cutters. He had made a small payment for a packet of toilet rolls to give the impression of a legitimate purchase. She said the theft was premeditated and that two bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin, worth €50 to €60 each, were recovered. When asked by Judge Conor Fottrell if all of the stolen goods had been retrieved, Sgt Byrne said not all were recovered, but the total value taken was approximately €700. Silvia-Maria Crowley BL, counsel for the defence, said Early, a father and grandfather, had developed a serious addiction to crack cocaine in recent years. After a five-year battle with cancer and the death of his father, his life became 'chaotic,' the court was told. She said her client stole the alcohol to repay a drug debt, but has since gone cold turkey and remained clean for the past 10 months. The court heard he did not attend a formal drug programme but had sought support from Pieta House after a previous mental health crisis. Ms Crowley said that her client receives a disability allowance and had entered guilty pleas at an early stage. He is no longer in counselling but is making efforts to rebuild his life, the court heard. Judge Fottrell noted the court was told the offences arose out of a drug debt. "That may well be the case - but it's ridiculous. You need to sort it out,' he told the defendant. 'These are serious matters - stealing alcohol in order to pay off a drug debt is not acceptable. But I accept you've taken steps to address your situation,' he added. Taking into account the guilty plea, Early's personal circumstances and his engagement with support services, Judge Fottrell imposed a 12-month probation bond on condition that Early keeps the peace and engages in good behaviour. 'I suggest you continue to engage with Pieta House and any further counselling available to you,' the judge said.
Sunday World
03-06-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Family of crash victim Hannah Leonard in mourning as brother Dylan (17) dies suddenly
Concerns were raised on social media by Dylan's family when he went out on Saturday, May 31 and failed to return home by midnight The family of Bray woman Hannah Leonard, who was left with severe brain injuries after being hit by a car in Italy last year, have been left devastated by the death of Hannah's 17-year-old brother Dylan. Concerns were raised on social media by Dylan's family when he went out on Saturday, May 31 and failed to return home by midnight, which was completely out of character. The appeal was shared on social media channels by members of the community and the local gardaí were alerted with searches immediately conducted. The family's worst fears were confirmed when Dylan's body was found. It's another devastating blow for the Leonard family, who continue to support Hannah, currently in her fifth month of rehabilitation at Beaumont Hospital, after she was hit by a car in October while out running in order to train for the Dublin Marathon in Sicily, Italy. She was left in a coma with brain injuries and her parents and siblings, including Dylan, immediately rushed over to Sicily in order to be by her bedside. Hannah returned by air ambulance to Dublin in February and remains a patient at Beaumont Hospital, which specialises in brain injuries. Hannah Leonard Funeral details for Dylan have yet to be confirmed but his family have asked for donations to be made in his memory to the RNLI or Pieta House. The sailing and the water were a big part of Dylan's life, with his large circle of friends from Royal St George's Yacht Club and the Royal Irish Yacht Club among those in mourning today, along with his friends at Presentation College Bray. The late Dylan Leonard One of his teachers from Pres Bray described Dylan as 'a joy to have in class'. 'A beautiful soul with a cheeky grin who will be missed greatly by his Pres friends and all his classmates. I am heartbroken at his passing,' they added. While the Royal Irish Yacht Club said that 'Dylan will be remembered with love by his fellow sailors and the wider RIYC community, we extend our deepest sympathy to his family at this sad time'. He is survived by parents Kevin and Vanessa, his sisters Hannah and Lex (Lily), grandparents Henry, Jim and Claudia, godfather Johnathan Harty, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. Hannah and Dylan Leonard News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Family of Hannah Leonard in mourning as brother Dylan dies suddenly
Concerns were raised on social media by Dylan's family when he went out on Saturday, May 31 and failed to return home by midnight, which was completely out of character. The appeal was shared on social media channels by members of the community and the local gardaí were alerted with searches immediately conducted. The family's worst fears were confirmed when Dylan's body was found. It's another devastating blow for the Leonard family, who continue to support Hannah, currently in her fifth month of rehabilitation at Beaumont Hospital, after she was hit by a car in October while out running in order to train for the Dublin Marathon in Sicily, Italy. She was left in a coma with brain injuries and her parents and siblings, including Dylan, immediately rushed over to Sicily in order to be by her bedside. Hannah returned by air ambulance to Dublin in February and remains a patient at Beaumont Hospital, which specialises in brain injuries. Funeral details for Dylan have yet to be confirmed but his family have asked for donations to be made in his memory to the RNLI or Pieta House. The sailing and the water were a big part of Dylan's life, with his large circle of friends from Royal St George's Yacht Club and the Royal Irish Yacht Club among those in mourning today, along with his friends at Presentation College Bray. One of his teachers from Pres Bray described Dylan as 'a joy to have in class'. 'A beautiful soul with a cheeky grin who will be missed greatly by his Pres friends and all his classmates. I am heartbroken at his passing,' they added. While the Royal Irish Yacht Club said that 'Dylan will be remembered with love by his fellow sailors and the wider RIYC community, we extend our deepest sympathy to his family at this sad time'. He is survived by parents Kevin and Vanessa, his sisters Hannah and Lex (Lily), grandparents Henry, Jim and Claudia, godfather Johnathan Harty, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow Darkness Into Light: More than 1,000 people take part in town's ninth walk
The majority of participants were dressed in yellow in a show of support for Pieta House, who are the main benefactors of the event. The organising committee consisted of members of Wicklow and District Lions Club plus staff and students from Coláiste Chill Mhantáin. Darkness into Light committee member Geraldine Mooney said: 'A night like this wouldn't have happened without the hard work ad dedication of the committee. The helpers on board were exceptional and we are so grateful towards their efforts.' Before setting off for the 4.15am start, participants took part in a warm-up sessions to get them prepared, while Fergal Canterbury provided the music which helped set the atmosphere as everyone gathered at Leitrim Place, beside the Brass Fox. Darkness into Light departed at 4.15am, making its way through the town, along the port access Road, past Wicklow Primary Care Centre, and back along the Murrough. Warm coffee and tea awaited all the participants back at the finishing line to help them freshen up after their journey. A large proportion of those taking part stayed around afterwards to mingle and watch the sun rise together. The fundraising continues this Saturday, May 17, with a 'Choirs Unite for Pieta' concert at Dominican College Wicklow, starting at 7.30pm. The performers on the night will be Wicklow Male Voice Choir and special guests, the Duhallow Choral Society from Co Cork. Tickets are available from Earls Newsagents or from any member of the choir and all Lions members. All children are welcome free of charge. Next year marks Wicklow town's tenth year supporting Darkness into Light and there are some big plans in motion to mark the occasion.
