Theft of e-scooters is far too common in Cork city, judge says

The theft of e-scooters is far too common in Cork city, a district court judge declared as he sentenced a 29-year-old man who admitted carrying out such a crime.

Inspector James O’Donovan outlined the facts of the case at Cork District Court when 29-year-old Dylan Duggan pleaded guilty to the theft.

A young woman parked her e-scooter outside Tesco on Paul Street, Cork, on November 9 last.

The scooter worth €250 was never recovered so the owner was left at a loss. The injured party said in a statement that the e-scooter was her sole means of transport.

Defence solicitor Stephen Cotter said the accused man acknowledged that and expressed his deepest remorse to her.

Judge Philip O’Leary said he suspected that this would be of little consolation to the owner who was left without transport as a result of the theft.

“This type of offending is too common in the city,” Judge O’Leary remarked as he imposed a three-month sentence, consecutive to eight months already being served by Dylan Duggan.

Mr Cotter solicitor said the accused had difficulties with homelessness and alcohol but did have family support in his efforts to turn his situation around.