Raymond Dowdall's defence counsel, Mr Peter Finlay, yesterday told Judge Hogan his client had "acquired a [criminal] history that would better reflect a man twice his age".
He said it was "almost breathtaking the degree of lawlessness that had lived in this man".
Mr Finlay was not overstating the situation. Dowdall has been in trouble with the Garda since he was 14. When one glances at his criminal record, a picture emerges of a prolific repeat offender.
In total Dowdall had 42 previous convictions before the events of April 14th, 2002. Yet, one garda source confirmed Dowdall had never been inside a detention centre before he was remanded in custody on foot of the offences for which he was convicted yesterday.
Of his 42 previous convictions, 11 are for road traffic offences. He has been convicted no fewer than eight times for unauthorised taking of a vehicle and has three convictions for allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.
Among his other convictions are two for criminal damage and three for public order offences. He has a further two convictions for assault and six for failing to appear in court.
