Man accused of stealing laptop from Cork hotel ‘had a bad day’, court hears

A TRALEE man accused of stealing a laptop belonging to staff at the Imperial Hotel in Cork declared during his bail application: “Basically, I had a bad day”.

Garda Raz Ghetau objected to bail being granted to Trevor Collins, aged 32, of Cork Simon Community, Anderson’s Quay, Cork.

The Garda said it was alleged that CCTV was examined and Mr Collins was observed going behind the main reception desk at the hotel and entering a back office before leaving after a few seconds. 

“He then walked into the Sketch Restaurant, asked the manager where was the bar. And as he was leaving, he picked up a HP laptop, valued at €500, and placed it under his jacket and left the hotel,” Gda Ghetau testified at Cork District Court.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke called on the accused to give evidence. Mr Collins said to Judge Joanne Carroll: “Basically, I had a bad day… I took alprazolam. I had a blackout. I don’t know where the laptop is.”

He said he wanted to go into rehabilitation in relation to his addiction. He said: “If I can find the laptop, I will. There’s only three places. It could be in my father’s, in the Simon, or in a girl’s flat that I go up to. I would love to bring it back. It was absolutely stupid.”

Judge Carroll said: “I am going to give you a chance. It will probably be a mistake.”

The defendant replied: “Judge, It won’t be a mistake.” 

The case was adjourned for mention next Tuesday.