Man with more than 100 shoplifting convictions confesses to several more thefts in Cork city

A man with more than 100 shoplifting convictions confessed to several more thefts from shops in Cork city amounting to more than €2,000 worth of stolen property.

Judge Olann Kelleher said that the latest series of offences committed by 37-year-old Shane Murphy originally of Harcourt Place, Ballymacthomas, Cork, left shops in the city at a loss for a total of €2,084 worth of stolen property.

The judge said that Shane Murphy had brought no compensation to Cork District Court and this loss would never be recovered by the stores.

Judge Kelleher sentenced him to a number of prison sentences that resulted in a total jail term of 16 months for the accused. The judge said he had to consider the circumstances of the defendant but that he had to balance this with protection of shopkeepers.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the offences were committed between June 29 and August 7.

In a four day period the accused stole property from Boots pharmacy on Patrick Street, stealing goods worth €264, €324, €120 and €130.

He also committed offences at Centra on Patrick Street, Aldi in Bishopstown, Aldi in Douglas, Holland and Barrett in Wilton, Aldi in Blackpool and Dunnes in Ballyvolane.

Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, said: 

“He has an untreated heroin addiction. He was homeless at the time. He has family based in Cork but is not allowed to live at home because of his heroin situation.

“Now he has come off all drugs and he will be allowed to return home when he is not on heroin.”