Venezuelan father-of-two Radolfo Ballon (40) stole Calvin Klein aftershave to buy heroin for his addiction

A recovering heroin addict said he was 'strung out' when he stole aftershave from a department store. Father-of-two Radolfo Ballon (40) has recently come off drugs, the court heard, and is working again as a labourer, limiting the spare time he has to do drugs, the court heard. He pleaded guilty at Dun Laoghaire District Court to stealing a bottle of Calvin Klein aftershave, worth €59. The theft occurred from Debenhams, Frascatti Shopping Centre, Blackrock on May 13 last. The property was later recovered. Defence lawyer Rory Staines said Ballon, of Sallymount Avenue, Ranelagh, had only recently come of the drug, and it was still 'touch and go' for the Venezuela national. Ballon stole the aftershave so he could sell it and use the money to feed his habit. Judge Hugh O'Donnell sentenced Ballon to two months in prison suspended for one year. The judge told the defendant to stay out of trouble or he would end up in jail.