Suspended sentence for man who stole watch from ill man who was lying on ground

By Niamh O’Donoghue

A man who stole a watch from a man who was lying ill on the ground has been given a suspended sentence.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Michael Rostas took the watch off the man while he was lying on the ground after falling ill when leaving a nightclub.

Rostas (24), of Virgina Hall, Belgard Square, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to one count of theft on October 1, 2022. He has two previous convictions.

Passing sentence, Judge Pauline Codd said it was “a vile offence” which was “morally reprehensible”.

His counsel, Karl Monahan BL, said his client was willing to engage in restorative justice and had brought €500 to court as a gesture of remorse. However, the prosecution said the injured party was not interested in restorative justice.

The court heard the injured party was feeling ill and left the nightclub. He woke up in St. James’s Hospital.

The injured party’s watch was of considerable sentimental value as it was his father’s, the court heard. CCTV was later harvested where Rostas was seen taking the watch off the man while he lay on the ground.

Judge Codd noted that instead of calling for help or calling an ambulance, Rostas took advantage for his own opportunistic reasons.

She also noted Rostas was on bail at the time and the watch was not of significant monetary value and was taken from him “in the most callous of manners”. The court heard that the watch was returned to the victim.

Judge Codd set a headline sentence of four years but took account of his guilty plea, along with the fact he was 21 and homeless at the time.

She noted there was a very positive probation report and that he was at moderate risk of reoffending. He had also expressed remorse and regret.

The judge said she understood the injured party does not want to engage in restorative justice as that would mean engaging with Rostas. She noted his employment was important to maintain as he is a person with small children.

She imposed a three-year prison sentence but suspended it in full for a period of three years. The judge noted Rostas brought €500 to court as an expression of remorse.

“The injured party has had restored to him something that is precious to him,” said Judge Codd.

She ordered that a further €500 is to be paid to the victim, at a minimum of €50 per month.