Delivery driver who stole smartphones from Clare distribution centre avoids prison sentence

A DELIVERY driver contracted to work out of the DHL logistics facility at Shannon stole customers’ iPhones to fuel his ‘out of control’ online gambling addiction, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Sean Lysaght of Beechgrove, Sixmilebridge, County Clare pleaded guilty to five separate counts of theft relating to smartphones worth a combined value of €1,822. The offences happened in May and June of last year.

Having heard the facts of the case, Judge Mary Larkin said she would impose a suspended three month prison term commenting that Mr Lysaght “had engaged in activity that robs people regardless of his reasons”.

In court, Sergeant Aiden Lonergan said Mr Lysaght sold four iPhones online to make a gain while a 5th phone, valued at €432, was recovered so the net loss was €1,390.

Mr Lysaght was employed by a sub-contractor which carried out deliveries, across the Mid-West, for DHL from their Smithstown base in Shannon.

Outlining the facts, Sgt Lonergan said the company, in May 2022, noticed that iPhones for customers were going missing.

CCTV footage was obtained from DHL for May 23 which showed Mr Lysaght placing items in delivery bags without scanning such items.

Mr Lysaght was subsequently arrested by gardai and, according to Sgt Lonergan, made admissions about stealing an iPhone valued at €300 on May 23 along with four other phones on different dates.

Solicitor for Mr Lysaght, Colum Doherty said his client’s online gambling addiction had ‘got out of control’ at this time.

He added that Mr Lysaght had problems with online poker, local bookmaker problems “and used to go to poker machines in Galway”.

Judge Larkin imposed a suspended prison term after hearing Mr Doherty's plea of mitigation. She noted that Mr Lysaght was the only breadwinner in the family and he stole to fund his gambling addiction.

Mr Doherty said his client is dealing with his gambling addiction. “He has permanent employment and is aware of the impact that this will have.”

The solicitor said Mr Lysaght had full compensation in court for the thefts and the money was handed over.