Shoplifter hit same Cork city store four times in total

A SHOPLIFTER who targeted the same store three times in one day, and a fourth time on another day, has been jailed for four months.

Ian O’Sullivan, of Cork Simon Community, was sentenced by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to several counts of shoplifting and being so drunk that he was a danger to himself or others on the streets.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said Boots pharmacy, on Half Moon St, had goods stolen by the defendant four times — three of those being on one day last month.

On November 5, the accused went to the Boots premises, entering it three times in the course of the day and picking up a €45 perfume set each time, causing a loss on that day of €135.

The thefts continued on November 20, when he went back to Half Moon St at lunchtime that day and stole €250 worth of toiletries.

He also committed further offences on other dates last month.

He was found on Clontarf St in a highly intoxicated condition, where he was a danger to himself and others.

He was found slumped against a wall on Robert St another day, in a similar condition.

On November 22, he was stopped in Cork city centre with another bag of stolen toiletries.

He admitted stealing them from Dealz, at Grand Parade, earlier.

The accused had six previous burglary convictions and 53 for theft.

Solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said: “Unfortunately, Mr O’Sullivan has had an ongoing difficulty with alcohol.

“There was a plea forthcoming at the earliest opportunity.

“He is a man of quite considerable potential.

“He brought in Gamblers Anonymous to the prison. That is still there, and has helped many prisoners.”

Judge Dorgan said: “I am really impressed that he has brought Gamblers Anonymous into the prison, it is really helpful. It would be really good if he could get his life back together again.

“But it is very hard for store owners — four thefts from Boots. It is very difficult for shops to manage on an ongoing basis. He has a lot of previous convictions.”