‘Crime tourist’ sentenced to 21 months for theft

A 49-year-old man engaging in “crime tourism” was sent to prison for a total of 21 months at a recent sitting of Roscommon District Court.

Appearing via video link and speaking with the aid of an interpreter, Elvis Dulea, a Romanian national with an address at Mivea Miora, Luiea Nsra, Bucresti, Romania, pleaded guilty to a number of theft offences carried out in the county town.

Sergeant Mark Mahon told Judge James Faughnan that on March 23rd, 2026 gardaí received a complaint from the manager of Boots Roscommon that a man, the accused, had carried out a theft. Gardaí responded, and the accused was arrested and brought to Roscommon Garda Station. When gardaí searched the accused’s car, they found property to the value of €1,583, stolen from Boots. An aluminium lined bag, used to avoid detection, was also recovered.

The accused was questioned about two separate thefts from Boots, one on November 25th, 2025, where cosmetics worth €179 were taken, and December 2nd, 2025, where cosmetics worth €76.47 were taken.

The court heard that he was charged in relation to all matters and had 12 previous convictions. He also had previous convictions from other EU countries and the UK, and was due before Fermoy court for another matter. He had been in custody since being arrested by gardaí in Roscommon.

“He is a gentleman who flew into the country and went on a spree,” said Sergeant Mahon, adding that a return ticket to Romania was found in his possession.

“So crime tourism really,” said the judge.

His solicitor Con Harlow said that his client made admissions and had not made any bail application. He also said that the goods were recovered in a saleable condition. He said his client was a married father of two teenagers and that his wife was expecting a third.

“He is meeting the case head-on,” the solicitor said, adding that his instructions were the accused was amenable to repatriation.

“That’s coming anyway,” the judge said, who then handed down the consecutive sentences totalling 21 months. He also refused an application to have the sentence backdated, saying the accused could have pleaded guilty sooner. The court directed that Mr Dulea be repatriated on the lawful termination of his sentence.

Recognisance was set in the event of an appeal.