'Predatory' ATM thief jailed for targeting tourist in Dublin

Fiona Ferguson

A man who stole a tourist’s bank card after watching him enter his PIN at a Dublin ATM has been jailed for three years for what a judge described as “predatory” offending.

Viorel Rostas (37) of Swanhall, Belgard Square, Tallaght, was convicted by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of theft of a bank card and of cash on December 9, 2018.

He has 79 previous convictions, including for theft and is assessed at high risk of reoffending.

The court heard the tourist had been drinking and got into what he believed to be a taxi. Rostas was in the back of the vehicle, and there was a discussion about the fare.

They stopped at an ATM, and the victim got out, accompanied by Rostas, who watched over the man’s shoulder as he entered his PIN.

Rostas stole the man’s card and quickly left in the car. He went to a nearby ATM where he withdrew €220 and attempted to use the card two more times.

The court heard he concealed his face while using the card, but was identified by gardai who searched his home. He made no admissions in relation to the thefts.

Passing sentence today/yesterday (FRI), Judge Orla Crowe noted Rostas was a father of seven, including one child with considerable medical difficulties. He also has several medical issues himself.

She noted he has apologised and that he has a work history, having previously worked for Amazon as a driver. She noted he said he had been struggling with money.

Judge Crowe said he had taken minimal responsibility for his offending but accepted his guilt.

The judge said Rostas had engaged in predatory offending, deliberately setting up and targeting the injured party. She said he was out of the car, sped off with the card and PIN and was at an ATM within minutes.

She set a headline sentence of four years, and in light of the personal and mitigating circumstances, imposed a sentence of three years.