A KILDARE resident who stole equipment from his employer and then set fire to the premises in an effort to destroy the CCTV footage has been remanded in custody pending sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Amir Essalhi (25) also stole 14 cheques from the offices of The Irish Daily Starnewspaper to which he had gained access in a previous job as a drain technician, and had a role in defrauding the company of €69,050.
Essalhi, of Rochford Lawns, Baker’s Walk, Kilcock, pleaded guilty to stealing an industrial heater and to arson at EMVA, JFK Road, Bluebell, in September 2007, as well as stealing €7,000 which was the property of Bank of Ireland on dates unknown between July and August 2007.
He also pleaded guilty to three counts of theft at the offices of the Starnewspaper and three counts of stealing sums of money which were the property of Independent Star Ltd between April and May 2007.
A co-accused, Daniel Casey (24), of Greenfort Crescent, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing sums of money which were the property of Independent Star Ltd on dates in April and May 2007.
Judge Katherine Delahunt remanded Essalhi in custody and adjourned sentencing for a week. She remanded Casey on bail until March to allow a probation report be prepared.
Sgt Stephen Lydon said on September 15th, 2007, Essalhi drove into the yard of his employers, EMVA, and stole an industrial heater valued at €1,200.
Essalhi became aware there was CCTV footage of him removing the item.
Sgt Lydon said that on September 25th, 2007, a fire occurred at the premises which caused €130,000 damage and required five fire engines.
Essalhi was captured on CCTV in the area and a key belonging to him recovered.
Det Garda Clogher said Mr Casey had 18 previous convictions while Mr Essalhi had eight previous convictions.