Burglar on tranquillisers smacked DIY shop worker who tried to stop theft

Craig Redmond (20) had got into the shop by smashing a window, but could remember nothing until after his arrest.

Redmond, of Valley Park Drive, Finglas, pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal damage to a window and assaulting a man at Woodie's, Slaney Road, Glasnevin on July 27, 2014.

Judge Grainne O'Neill adjourned the case for a probation report, including assessment for community service suitability. She also told the accused to pay compensation.

Dublin District Court heard the front window of the premises was broken by a stone, causing €380 worth of damage and the accused was found with €2,700 worth of goods in a trolley.

When a staff member went to detain the defendant, he received a "slap".

The goods were left there but the defendant was chased through a service station.

The accused was "very much under the influence" of tablets he had taken at the time, his solicitor Aine Flynn said.

His brother had died tragically months earlier and on the night, he had gone to the family grave and taken "a quantity of benzodiazepines", Ms Flynn said.

He had a very limited recollection of what he did next.

Judge O'Neill said she wanted to see the victim compensated.