A man who stole a tourist’s bank card after observing him enter his PIN at a Dublin ATM has been sentenced to three years in prison for what a judge described as “predatory” behaviour.
Viorel Rostas (37), of Swanhall, Belgard Square, Tallaght, was found guilty by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of stealing a bank card and cash on December 9, 2018, reports Breaking News.
He has 79 prior convictions, including theft offences, and has been assessed as posing a high risk of reoffending.
The court heard that the tourist had been drinking before entering what he believed to be a taxi, where Rostas was seated in the back, and a discussion about the fare took place, reports Breaking News.
The vehicle stopped at an ATM, where the victim exited and was accompanied by Rostas, who observed him entering his PIN.
Rostas then took the man’s bank card and left quickly in the vehicle, before going to a nearby ATM where he withdrew €220 and attempted two further transactions, reports Breaking News.
The court was told that although he attempted to conceal his identity while using the card, gardaí later identified him after searching his home, and he made no admissions regarding the offences.
While sentencing, Judge Orla Crowe noted that Rostas is a father of seven children, including one with significant medical needs, and that he also suffers from health issues himself, reports Breaking News.
She acknowledged that he had apologised, had a previous work history including employment as a driver with Amazon, and had cited financial difficulties.
Judge Crowe said that although he accepted his guilt, he had taken only limited responsibility for his actions, reports Breaking News.
She described the crime as predatory, stating that he deliberately targeted the victim, exited the vehicle, fled with the card and PIN, and used them within minutes.
The judge set a headline sentence of four years but reduced it to three years in consideration of mitigating personal circumstances, reports Breaking News.
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