'Clean-cut' security guard was making off with toiletries from store

23 September 1998

NABBED BY ALERT GARDA

A SECURITY man who stole clothing and a range of toiletries from Dunnes Stores had "acted on impulse", Castlebar court was told.

Judge Dan Shields heard the defendant Rory Waters from 75 St. Brendan's Avenue, Galway, had taken property valued at £1,038.13p from the store where he worked as a security man.

He pleaded guilty to larceny of items which included Brill cream, Radox, Lynx aftershave, soap, razors, batteries, toothpaste, two jackets, five pairs of trousers, socks, pyjamas, a duvet cover and towels.

Inspector Jerry Henry said on February 13 Garda Donal O'Gallachoir was on patrol at 6.30a.m. in the Newtown area when he saw the defendant carrying two black refuse sacks. Ten minutes later he saw him again with two identical bags.

After speaking to him the defendant explained he had found the property under the new bridge and was bringing it to his own property for safe keeping. The Garda was not satisfied with this explanation and arrested the defendant.

He explained he was working as a security guard at Dunnes Stores and was working the night shift. He saw an opportunity to take goods. He filled refuse sacks and was taking them to a B&B where he was staying. All the property was recovered.

Judge Dan Shields said it had been a "serious breach of trust."

Mr. Myles Gilvarry, defending solicitor, said the defendant came from a very respectable family and none of his family had ever been in trouble. On this occasion "he acted on impulse" and he had "seriously breached the trust given to him." He admitted the offence shortly after being interviewed and it was totally out of character.

He had lost his job and was currently unemployed.

Judge Shields said normally in a case where someone when into a shop and for the first time stole property which was recovered, the matter could be dealt with under the Probation of Offenders Act.

"But here is a man in a job in security whose job is to keep secure his employers property. This is something that was deliberately planned."

He added he did not know about the "fixation to cleanliness."

Judge Shields said he would remand the defendant on his own bail of £100 to November 18 and asked for a probation report to be prepared.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - September 1998