'How many chances do you need?', judge asks Cork man with 157 previous convictions
The accused was sentenced to 11 months in prison with the last five suspended for two years. File photo
A Cork man who came before Midleton District Court charged with two counts of theft was a chronic alcoholic but wanted to turn his life around, his solicitor said.
Court presenter Sergeant Linda O’Leary said that John McDonagh, aged 33, of Inchera Close, Mahon, was arrested after alleged thefts from Sports Direct and Tesco in Midleton on June 5, 2025.
McDonagh made admissions and pleaded guilty to two counts of theft. The court was told that McDonagh had 157 previous convictions, including 87 for theft.
His solicitor, Joseph Cuddigan, said that McDonagh, who was currently serving a prison sentence due to end next March, was a chronic alcoholic who wanted to “make amends” for his behaviour.
He said McDonagh was a father of four children, was in a relationship and wanted a chance to put things right.
Judge Colm Roberts said: “You have 157 previous convictions, how many chances do you need? Guess what happens when you drink? You get drunk.”
He said McDonagh was not truly remorseful and was only sorry he was caught, and noted that the accused was on bail for other offences at the time.
He was sentenced to 11 months in prison with the last five suspended for two years. The sentence is to run consecutively to the one he is currently serving.
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