Man with 146 convictions jailed for latest shoplifting offences

A 44-year-old man with 146 previous convictions was jailed yesterday for four months for his latest shoplifting offences.

His solicitor said the accused had addiction and mental health difficulties.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a total sentence of four months on Con Foley of Cork Simon Community at Cork District Court after he pleaded guilty to a number of offences.

On April 9, at Spar, Douglas St, he took a €50 packet of tobacco and walked out without offering payment.

On May 18, he went to Elverys Sports on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, selected a T-shirt worth €45, and stole that.

On August 23, he stole packets of tobacco and cigarettes and left without payment at Centra in Watergrasshill, where the total value of the stolen property was €81.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the accused had 146 previous convictions, including 17 for theft, and that the most serious charges against him were of assault causing harm, and robbery, for which he received sentences of three years and five years, respectively.

Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, said the defendant came before the court on August 25 on these latest charges and wanted to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“He has a very poor record, admittedly,” he said. “Unfortunately he relapsed recently into addiction, and mental health issues.

“His family say he has been suffering from acute paranoia and has been getting help from Cork Mental Health Services. His partner, who is doing her best for him, has been trying to get him admitted for care and get him the help he needs. He apologises for his offences, and does not try to excuse it.”