'He was very hungry at the time': Man lashed out when card was declined at two fast-food outlets in Cork 

A HUNGRY man, who got frustrated when his card was declined as he tried to buy food at two different fast-food outlets in Cork city, lashed out at card and till equipment causing a total of €1,400 worth of damage.

Judge Mary Dorgan said it was a serious matter and sentenced the culprit to five months in prison at Cork District Court.

Dennis Healy, solicitor, said on behalf of the accused: “He was very hungry at the time and he believed there was sufficient funds in his account for the payments to be made. He became frustrated and lashed out at inanimate objects.”

Stephen Moussa, of De Selby Park, Tallaght, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing criminal damage.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said: “At 6.25pm on August 16, 2023, Garda Ross Broekhuizen and Garda Emer McCarthy were on patrol when they received a call to attend at Burger King on Patrick Street where a man had caused criminal damage to some equipment.

“CCTV was examined and the incident was observed. The man attempted to pay for food using a debit card but the payment was declined.

“The man became aggressive and slapped the card machine, threw trays to the floor and threw the till on the floor.

“Shortly after this incident he went across the street to Abrakebabra and there was a similar incident where his card was declined. The value of the damaged property on that occasion was €300. The value of the damage caused in Burger King was €1,100.”

Mr Healy said the 31-year-old man suffered from mental health issues and unfortunately was not taking his medication at the time.

“He is now in the Midlands Prison. He has been re-medicated and is in much better shape,” Mr Healy said.