DUBLIN, Ireland: The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court judge sentenced a man to three years in jail for stealing a tourist's bank card after watching him enter his PIN at a Dublin ATM.

Viorel Rostas (37), from Tallaght, was found guilty by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of stealing a bank card and money on December 9, 2018.

He has 79 prior convictions, including theft, and is considered likely to reoffend.

The court heard that a tourist, who had been drinking, got into what he thought was a taxi. Rostas was sitting in the back of the vehicle, and they discussed the fare.

They stopped at an ATM, where the tourist got out. Rostas followed him and watched him enter his PIN.

Rostas then stole the man's card and quickly drove away. He went to another ATM nearby, withdrew 220 euros, and tried to use the card two more times.

Although he tried to hide his face while using the card, police later identified him after searching his home. He did not admit to the crimes.

While giving the sentence, Judge Orla Crowe noted that Rostas is a father of seven children, including one with serious medical needs, and that he also has health problems.

The judge said he had apologized and had previously worked as a driver for Amazon, but had been struggling financially.

She added that he took only limited responsibility for his actions, even though he accepted he was guilty.

The judge said Rostas had engaged in "predatory offending" and deliberately took advantage of the victim. She noted that he quickly left with the card and PIN and used them at an ATM within minutes.

She first considered a four-year sentence, but reduced it to three years after taking his personal circumstances into account.