Teenager allegedly punched security guard at Cork store in the face 

A teenager loaded up his bag with bottles of whiskey telling a security man he could not stop him, and he later pushed the member of staff and punched him in the face before leaving with the stolen drink.

Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the background to the incident, which occurred at Marks & Spencer, Merchants Quay, Cork, at 2.30pm on April 29.

“The teenager entered the shop and became confrontational towards staff. Security staff then went to assist. It is alleged that the man stated that he was going to steal items from the shop, and that the security staff couldn't stop him.

“Security staff contacted the gardaí and the defendant proceeded to fill his bag with a number of bottles of whiskey from the shelf. The security guard tried to stop him but he was forcefully pushed back.

“The male then went to walk out of the shop, again the security guard tried to prevent him from leaving. The male punched the security man in the face knocking him to the floor.

“The male left, passing all points of payment, leaving the shop with the goods valued at €246. CCTV was viewed and the male was identified as Patrick Costin.

“There were no injuries sustained by the security staff member who did not require medical attention at the time. No property was recovered.” 

Probation report

Judge John King said: “The probation report makes for very interesting reading. I know he had a hard life and bad addiction issues.”

Killian McCarthy solicitor said: “It is a crossroads in his life at such a young age. His sister is supportive of him as far as she can be. Very obvious from the probation report that he has not been dealt a great hand in life. He is anxious to put himself on the right path. 

"This has been his first time in custody and it was a massive wake-up call. He has been in custody for almost a month as he could not ask anyone to raise €100 bail money for him.

“He is fully aware of the dangers of what drugs will do to a person. He shows a level of insight.” 

The solicitor said the 18-year-old hoped to be able to live with a relative if released. 

Judge King said he would adjourn finalising of the case until September 26 for confirmation that the particular relative would accommodate him.

Offences

As well as pleading guilty to charges of assault and theft at Marks and Spencer he admitted other offences, including kicking a wing mirror off a car, shoplifting in Cork city, and failing to show up in court for his cases.

Patrick Costin of no fixed address, has been living recently with Cork Simon Community.

On April 20 at Centra on St. Patrick’s Street, he stole €21 worth of beer On June 21 at Tesco, Paul Street, he stole a vodka, totalling €76.

On July 12 he stole two bottles of vodka valued €77 at Marks and Spencer.

One week later at The Offie, Douglas Street, Cork, he stole cider valued €19.

Then last month on August 24 he smashed the wing mirror off a woman’s car on Patrick St.

And he twice failed to appear in court for his cases.

Judge King said in relation to September 26: “I am not looking for cash on surety, just someone to keep an eye on him, allow him to turn his life around by dealing with addiction, entering vocational training, and to be supervised by probation service. But he has to be willing.”