Man tried on suit and walked out of Cork city shop without paying for it, court hears

A 48-year-old man tried on a €399 suit at Mick Murphy’s Menswear on North Main St in Cork and left his old clothes in a bundle behind him without paying for the suit — and his temporary release form from Cork Prison was later found with the clothes abandoned at the shop, a court has heard.

The allegation was made by Garda Ronan O’Sullivan at Cork District Court, where there was an objection to bail being granted to Gerry Foley of no fixed address and Grenville Place, Cork.

The suit was allegedly stolen last Thursday and the temporary release form found in his bundle of clothes at Mick Murphy’s was issued on December 3 to last until January 6, as part of what was termed “pre-release and re-socialisation”.

Other conditions required him to be of good behaviour and commit no offences.

Gda O’Sullivan said Mr Foley tried on the suit at Mick Murphy’s and also stole €238 worth of clothing from TK Maxx, Cornmarket St, Cork, on Thursday.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said that unlike some temporary releases from prison, there was no requirement for Mr Foley to sign on at intervals at the prison.

He called the accused to give evidence in the course of the bail application, putting it to him that the gardaí were concerned he would steal goods and not turn up in court if given bail.

Mr Foley replied: “I will not get into difficulties. I would agree with any terms — sign on, curfew, stay out of all shops.”

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “This gentleman was left out on TR [temporary release] on December 3. On December 5, he allegedly stole €238 worth of clothing and a €400 suit from Mick Murphy’s, and it was there that the TR form was found.”

While noting that the December 5 charges and otherballeged shop-lifting related to Homesense on Grand Parade on three earlier occasions, were all allegations, Judge Dorgan said: “Unfortunately, he was left out on TR on condition that he would be of good behaviour.”

Judge Dorgan remanded him in custody until December 12.