De Bruin husband guilty of stealing

THE husband of Olympic swimmer, Michelle de Bruin, yesterday pleaded guilty to stealing chicken breasts, vitamins and cod liver oil tablets at his local Dunnes Stores supermarket.

Former athlete Erik de Bruin received the probation act when he appeared before Judge William Harnett at Kilkenny District Court yesterday.

The 40-year-old was spotted by staff at the Dunnes branch at Kilkenny’s Kieran Street on October 25. He had concealed cod liver oil tablets, multi-vitamins and a multi-pack of chicken under his jacket when stopped by staff.

His wife, who recently qualified with a law degree from UCD and is studying to be a barrister at Kings Inn, was not with him in court yesterday.

Erik de Bruin spoke just briefly, to confirm that he understood the charge, that he wanted the case heard before the district court and that he was pleading guilty to the charge.

Inspector Mick Nevin told the court that the accused attempted to leave Dunnes Stores, without paying for the items. They were recovered in his jacket and he was arrested, brought to Kilkenny Garda Station and charged. He was later released.

Solicitor Michael Lanigan said his client had not queried the charge and had no previous convictions. Mr Lanigan said the 40-year-old is married with two children, a one-year-old and a three-year-old, and is their full-time carer. He said that he did some freelance work for magazines, but primarily cared for his children.

“On the particular day, he was doing his weekly shop. He was stopped having paid for the bulk of the goods. The three items recovered had not been paid for,” Mr Lanigan said. His client had become very distressed when stopped by staff.

He handed a letter to Judge Harnett, outlining that his client was attending his GP over the past few months to be treated for a stress-related illness. He urged Judge Harnett to be lenient and said his client had entered a guilty plea. He also asked him to take into account his good character.

Judge Harnett ordered that he be given the probation act. He listed the items taken, which included Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil tablets worth €6.35, multi-bionta tablets worth €10.75 and a packet of chicken breasts valued at €5.49.

Mr de Bruin left the court immediately and refused to comment.