A tresspasser who was found in possession of a stolen bike worth €700 will be jailed, despite pleading that a custodial term would have a “colossal effect” on his family and asking a judge for a fully suspended sentence.

At the District Court Appeals Court today, Judge Geoffrey Shannon said it is important a message goes out that this was a serious offence, adding that he could not consider suspending Gary Darcy’s sentence in full.

However, he acknowledged that Darcy (28) has made significant progress since the offence and would reduce his nine-month jail term by two thirds on appeal.

Courts News Ireland

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