Man fined over theft described as 'not exactly the crime of the century'

A Georgian man who stole a pair of work trousers from a hardware store has been fined at Castlebar District Court.

Mihail Tanasevici, of Woodford Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred on March 10, 2026.

The court heard that at approximately 2 p.m., the store manager at Woodie's, Castlebar, observed the theft of a pair of Snickers workwear trousers.

The defendant was subsequently identified by Garda Friel.

It was outlined in court that the trousers were recovered at the scene.

Defence solicitor Ms. Cathy McDarby said that the 50-year-old, who is originally from Georgia and has been living in Ireland for two and a half years, has no previous convictions.

He is married with one adult child who is currently studying.

The court heard that Tanasevici had been hopeful of securing employment at the time but, following the incident, did not get the job and is now facing the consequences of a criminal conviction.

Ms. McDarby informed the court that during the incident, a staff member intervened and the defendant dropped both the trousers and his own jacket, which contained his car keys.

His vehicle was subsequently impounded, and he is now attempting to raise funds to recover it after only getting his jacket back.

Judge Vincent Deane noted the circumstances of the case, describing it as "not exactly the crime of the century."

Judge Deane convicted and imposed a fine of €150, allowing six months for payment.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.