Man who stole sewing machine fron Lidl jailed

The court heard a mother, whose son was given a nine month prison sentence for stealing a sewing machine six years ago, say "please don't do it to my child" as he was brought into custody.

Francis Mongan (25), from Moyne Park, Moyne Road, Maynestown, Dublin 13, was in Trim Circuit Court on 13th February charged with theft.

Garda David King told the court on 12th January 2019 two men entered Lidl in Clonee and stole a number of sewing machines, each costing €150. Mr Mongan, who was 17 at the time, entered soon after and stole one of the machines. None of the goods were recovered.

Mr Mongan had no previous convictions before this offence but subsequently received 13 and was under investigation for another offence at the time of the incident. His most recent conviction was on 24th March 2025 for an offence on 28th September 2023 where he received a suspended sentence and 180 hours of community service.

His defending counsel told the court this was an opportunistic theft from an immature and impressionable young person. He was exposed to criminality at a young age, suffering violence and homelessness, but has made efforts to turn his life around. The court heard one of the other men involved in this incident was his father who has since passed away while in prison in 2024.

His defending barrister told the court he has since completed his Junior Certificate and is trying to secure employment in roofing. He is currently complying with his community service obligations and the probation services are assisting with his mental health problems. The defending counsel asked the court to push the case back further to get paperwork to prove these statements are true and, if the case is to conclude today, to consider a fully suspended sentence. Judge John Martin rejected this proposal, saying it was already put back a number of months ago and was assured by another barrister it will be ready for finalisation.

He is a father of two children and the defending barrister told the court “his hands are very full”. His mother was in court and a letter from his eldest sister showed his role in helping her as a single parent. The court heard he has brought €160 as a token of remorse and is willing to provide more. The court heard he made poor decisions in the past and is trying to turn his life around.

Judge Martin said he was one of three in this “joint enterprise” and this was not entirely opportunistic because it was planned by more adult members.

Judge Martin said “"you and your fellow enterprisers relieved Lidl of quite a number of them”.

The judge also said he is unsure why this case was brought before Circuit Court instead of being dealt with in District Court.

Mr Mongan was given a nine month prison sentence.