A 22 year old man who produced a syringe when caught stealing cheese and threatened to give shop staff HIV has been jailed for 3 1/2 years by Judge Cyril Kelly.
Paul Hegarty, of Cappagh Avenue, Dublin, pleaded guilty to producing the syringe and larceny of the cheese at Crazy Prices, Ballymun, on April 10th last.
Garda Tony Grehan said Hegarty escaped on that occasion but was arrested a month later. His nine previous convictions were for similar shop larcenies.
Defence counsel Mr Gerry O'Brien said his client was presently off drugs and was working to kick his habit.
Judge Kelly listed the case for possible review in April 1998.
