Former air force pilot who fled persecution in Georgia jailed for offences in Cork

A former air force pilot who fled political persecution was jailed in Cork for eight months for numerous counts of shop-lifting and drunken public order incidents.

Zurab Chakunashvilli appeared at Cork District Court via video link from prison, where he pleaded guilty to numerous offences.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed sentences totalling 13 months’ imprisonment.

“I hope you will be able to put all of this behind you now,” said Judge Dorgan.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “This 47-year-old Georgian national is here four and a half years. He left Georgia because of political pressure circumstances. He spent time in custody over whatever happened between himself and the regime after his period in the air force in Georgia, where he had flown in conflict circumstances.

“Having spent time in political custody, as he describes it, for a number of years, he made his way to Ireland and made an application for asylum. He got work in Ireland in construction, but that work came to an end for reasons that are not clear.

“It resulted in a loss of accommodation. From that day onwards it coincides with criminality, particularly theft from shops. He has been homeless or relying on B&B or hostel accommodation.”

Thefts included SuperValu Glanmire in June 2024; Centra North Main St, Aldi in Ballincollig, TK Maxx in Douglas, Lidl in Togher, Aldi in Mayfield, and Dunnes at Bishopscourt in July; A R Brownlow, Woodies in Blackpool, and Penney’s on Patrick Street in August; North Face on Patrick Street in September; Three Store in Cork city and Marks & Spencer in October; Tesco on Paul St, Aldi in Blackpool, Brown Thomas and TK Maxx in November; Brown Thomas, Tesco, and TK Maxx in December; TK Maxx and JD Sports twice in January; Tesco in January, and 21 Degrees North this month.