Co Armagh man with 69 previous convictions is told jail is an option after he pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods, Craigavon court hears
A man with 69 previous convictions has been told jail is an option after he pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods.
The 39-year-old appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday via video link from Maghaberry Prison as he was recalled to jail on licence following the offence.
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Gareth Bradley, aged 39, from Edward Street, Portadown, pleaded guilty to a single charge of receiving stolen goods on May 24, 2025, including three pairs of Diesel jeans, a blue Rab cap and a Barbour for Him Hero set belonging to another and knowing or believing the goods were stolen.
His barrister Mr Peter Coiley said his client is currently in custody and scheduled for release this Saturday. He said he hoped the court would consider a Pre-Sentence Report.
He added that Bradley is likely to be homeless on his release and most likely will be provided with hostel accommodation.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan pointed out this was Bradley’s 69th entry on his record.
Mr Coiley said this current charge is a year old and was what triggered his return to custody while out on licence.
"On first blush it may appear that custody is an attractive option but perhaps the court may consider an alternative direction given he has served a full year as a direct consequence,” said the barrister.
District Judge Ranaghan said he had recently become aware of the cost of Pre Sentence Reports. “It is significant. A man with this record, it is unlikely that I would be sending him to any sort of community disposal,” he said.
He said what he would do instead is to defer sentencing. "I think Mr Bradley needs to be very well aware his record is so bad for dishonesty matters,” he said.
"He gets a chance to get out, keep himself clean for a period and see where we get to,” the District Judge added.
"The reality is it costs around £1k for a basic Pre Sentence Report. I think it might, in this case, be wasted,” he said, adding he wouldn’t interfere with his release date.
"I’ve seen your excuses around this matter. Effectively you are as guilty as sin from the outset,” said the District Judge deferring sentence for two months until July 22 with the only stipulation that there is no further offending.