Man who came before Cork court for 25th theft crime jailed  

MULTI-SUBSTANCE addiction issues were one of the factors resulting in a young man coming before Cork District Court for his 25th crime of theft.

Keith Newman of Elm Park, Wilton pleaded guilty to the latest theft at Cork District Court. Judge Mary Dorgan imposed an overall sentence of four months on the 27-year-old for that offence and others which he also admitted.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the accused stole a €140 tracksuit from Lifestyle Sports on St Patrick’s Street, on November 11, 2023.

He also came to the attention of gardaí in Cork city on January 3 when arrested for his own safety because he was so intoxicated he was a danger to himself.

22 of his previous convictions were for being drunk and a danger, Sgt Lyons said.

He was caught with cocaine for his own use on one occasion and cannabis on another.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said that in relation to substance abuse, Mr Newman accepted that he had ongoing difficulties.

Judge Dorgan noted that he had been given an opportunity to attend at the probation service but failed to turn up for appointments. “He has not helped himself in the sense that he never turned up to avail of the services available to him,” the judge said.

A number of sentences were imposed on the young man, resulting in a total of four months in prison.