By Ronan Judge

A man who carried out a ‘MacGyver’-type theft offence involving a laminated sheet of paper will avoid a criminal conviction once he abides by certain conditions.

At Galway District Court, Judge Adrian Harris applied the Probation of Offenders Act — a conditional discharge — in the case of Justin Wynne (55).

Wynne, with an address at 43 Ard Cré, Ballymoneen Road, Knocknacarra, pleaded guilty to being in possession of a laminated sheet of paper with intent it be used in a burglary, contrary to section 15 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

He also admitted entering Holland and Barrett, Shop Street, with intent to commit theft, also on June 3, 2024.

Justin Wynne pleaded guilty in October when the facts of the case were heard and the case was before Judge Adrian Harris at Galway District Court this week for finalisation.

After being asked for a brief outline of the facts, Sergeant Damien Prendergast said the laminated sheet offence “sounds a bit like something out of MacGyver”.

The court previously heard that Wynne was observed placing the laminated sheet between the lock and frame of a door inside Cathedral buildings, Middle Street on June 3, 2024.

The court was told Wynne had 31 previous convictions including 13 for burglary and four for assault.

He was also subject to a six-month suspended sentence for burglary imposed in October 2023.

At the October hearing, solicitor Olivia Traynor said despite having serious addiction to heroin, her client managed to hold down a job for many years.

Ms Traynor said her client had no recollection of a lot of these matters but “held his hands up” to Gardaí and was genuinely remorseful.

She said CCTV footage of one of the incidents clearly showed he was under the influence of an intoxicant.

At the time, Ms Traynor asked the court not to finalise the case due to the recent, serious deterioration in her client’s physical health.

At last week’s court hearing, Ms Traynor handed in letters detailing the good progress her client had made in recent months.

Judge Harris said he had considered the letters and was giving “particular weight” to the path Justin Wynne was on at the moment and how he was addressing his issues.

The accused was told he must not commit any offence, not enter Holland and Barrett and Cathedral buildings.

He must also abide by all directions of the probation services. The judge also directed that €300 made available to the court be given to the St Vincent de Paul.

Ms Traynor said her client was grateful for the “amazing opportunity” provided by the court.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.