A LIMERICK prisoner, serving a sentence for an offence which he says came about because of his addiction, told a court that his ambition is to complete a course in psychology and help others with their addictions when he is released.
Keith O’Dwyer (39), of 15 Vale Close, Charleville, County Cork, who is in jail on another matter, pleaded guilty before Newcastle West District Court to theft of €500 worth of alcohol from a Tesco in Abbeyfeale on March 10 last.
Judge Carol Ann Coolican heard that none of the stolen alcohol was recovered.
Mr O’Dwyer’s legal representative told the court that his client – who has 60 previous convictions – was a fitter by trade before his marriage broke up and he fell into addiction.
The court heard that the father of three is currently serving a sentence of two years and nine months on another matter.
“He is engaging with the addiction services at Merchant’s Quay and he is making changes,” the barrister said.
“He is currently undertaking a psychology course and his hope is that, on release, he will move forward with his life and take up work helping others who are addicted move forward with their lives.”
Judge Coolican heard that of the previous convictions, just two involved theft. She sentenced Mr O’Dwyer to one month in jail, to run concurrently with the sentence he is serving.
