Easter egg thief with 38 convictions so 'strung-out' he forgot he had cash to pay

Scott Grant (35) had struggled with drugs for a number of years but was now focused on staying clean.

Judge Marie Conneely applied the probation act, ordering Grant to continue working with the probation service.

The defendant, of Pinewood Green Court in Balbriggan, admitted stealing Easter eggs, valued at €18, from Lidl, Market Green, in Balbriggan, on April 3, 2019.

Garda Rob English told Swords District Court that Grant was stopped by security staff when he tried to walk out of the supermarket with the Easter eggs.

He made no attempt to pay for the items.

The court heard Grant had 38 previous convictions, mostly for theft and public order-related matters.

The defence said that Grant was strung out at the time of this offence, and such was his level of intoxication that he did not realise he had the money to pay for the chocolate eggs.

She said Grant had spent time in prison in the last few years and had only been released a few months ago.

She said Grant had battled problems with drugs for some years, but was now drug-free and working with the support agencies to remain clean.

The solicitor also asked Judge Conneely to be as lenient as possible, saying this incident took place three years ago and no one was at a loss.