Six-month sentence for theft of groceries from Aldi in Graiguecullen
Aldi
A MAN received a six-month prison sentence, to run consecutively to one he is currently serving, after he pleaded guilty to the theft of €65 worth of groceries from a supermarket in Carlow.
Jason Behan (36), of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court where he pleaded guilty to theft contrary to section 4 of the .
Prosecuting Sgt Gráinne McPartlin told the court that on 20 September 2025 at around midday, gardaí received reports of a theft at Aldi in Graiguecullen, in which a man placed a quantity of groceries to the value of €65 into a rucksack and left the store without paying. CCTV footage of the incident identified Mr Behan as the culprit.
The court heard that Mr Behan has 28 previous convictions, six of which relate to theft under section 4. His most recent conviction, on 10 December 2025, resulted in a nine-month prison sentence, which he is currently serving and from which he is due for release on 15 September.
Defence solicitor John O’Sullivan told the court that his client had experienced difficulties over a number of years as a result of a heroin addiction, which, he said, had led to his imprisonment.
“He looks a lot better now that he is in custody and is getting himself in order,” said Mr O’Sullivan, who asked Judge Carthy for any sentence to run concurrently to the one his client is currently serving.
Judge Carthy took into account Mr Behan’s guilty plea, but noted his previous convictions as an aggravating factor, as well as a further court appearance on 18 March. The judge said she had “no option” but to sentence Mr Behan to six months in prison, to be served consecutively to his current sentence.
Judge Carthy fixed Mr Behan’s recognisance at €500 own bond, on condition that he is of good behaviour and does not reoffend. Legal aid was extended to Mr O’Sullivan.
