Man tried on new pair of runners in Penneys in Cork city and left shop without paying for them 

A man who tried on a new pair of runners in a shop walked out without paying for them and now he has been put on an 18-month probation bond.

Judge Mary Dorgan made this order in the case against John Campion at Cork District Court.

The judge explained that the bond requires the accused man to remain sober, engage with probation service, attend at addiction treatment as directed by probation and not to reoffend. 

Judge Dorgan said this will be reviewed after three months.

Diane Hallahan, solicitor, said that unfortunately, the accused did not have a recollection of events, including the one where he stole the runners.

On August 24 he stole the runners at Penney’s on St. Patrick’s Street. 

He tried on a new pair and walked out wearing them while leaving the old pair behind.

34-year-old John Campion of St. Vincent’s hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, has pleaded guilty to a burglary on July 30 at Elbow Lane restaurant where he entered the staff area of the restaurant and a jacket. 

It contained coins, tobacco and a notebook which were fortunately recovered in an adjacent laneway.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the accused was caught shoplifting of beer valued €16 from Aldi in the Elysian building on the same date.

Originally from Mallow, he managed to stay sober for two and a half years with the help of five months of residential treatment but when two very close friends died he could not handle it and ended up getting back into difficulties, Judge Dorgan was told.