Man identified by writing on forehead has sentence adjourned

A drug-addicted robber who held up a chipper after "MUG" was written across his forehead while he was asleep at a party has had his sentence adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

David Levins (aged 27) was arrested nearby by gardaí who identified him from the writing on his forehead.

Levins, of Sheephill Green, Blanchardstown, pleaded guilty to robbing the chipper on May 15, 2006. He also pleaded guilty to robbery and theft from a supermarket in Corduff shopping centre on May 12 and 15, 2006.

Judge Katherine Delahunt adjourned sentencing to allow him continue his efforts at drug rehabilitation.

Garda Kieron Campbell told Mr Patrick McGrath BL, prosecuting, that Levins grabbed money from the till and threatened staff at Maxworth supermarket with a knife on May 12 and returned to steal from the store again on May 15 when he grabbed money from the till after he distracted staff.

Garda Campbell said later that night Levins jumped over the counter of Romano's chipper in Clonsilla and robbed seven cans of Sprite. Gardaí identified and arrested Levins nearby after they observed him carrying the drinks.

Levins, who has five previous convictions, admitted involvement in all the crimes.

Defence counsel Mr Pieter Le Vert said Levins had fallen asleep at a party on the night of his arrest and, while he was asleep, someone had written "MUG" across his forehead. Levins, who had been drinking and using drugs, became paranoid on waking that someone was after him and said "foreigners" in the chipper were abusing him.

He said Levins had been recognised by staff during the earlier offence as it was his local supermarket.

Mr Le Vert said Levins was abusing drugs at the time of the offences when he was going through a difficult period in his life. He said Levins had "turned himself around" and was doing well despite a brief relapse into drug use last December.