Trio fined over Kildare Village theft offences

Three men were fined for their part in committing theft offences in the Kildare Village Retail Outlet.

Back in March, the court was told that Vasile Chironda, 40,and Ivon Mutilica, 25, both of 2 Corke Abbey in Bray, County Wicklow, along with Cristian Vatamanu, 23, with an address listed as 24 Riverdale Apartments, Dargle Road, Bray, County Wicklow.

Gardaí said that the offences were committed on January 29 last.

On the latest court date — Thursday, May 18 — the three men admitted to the offences, in which they stole around €691.30 worth of items.

Defending solicitor Joe Coonan told Judge Desmond Zaidan that all items were recovered, and pointed out that all three men had no previous convictions.

Mr Coonan added that each man had put forward a donation of €1,000 as a gesture of their remorse.

However, Judge Zaidan remarked: "These guys knew what they were doing," citing the presence of a detagging tool.

The judge also reiterated his view that Kildare Village seems to be frequently targeted by shoplifters, adding: "It is probably the most targeted shopping centre in Ireland."

He said that he would 'relucantly' accept their donations, and directed gardaí to divide the donations between a number of different charities.

Judge Zaidan also imposed a further fine of €1,750 on each of the men.