Cork man was so drunk he could not remember stealing €800 e-scooter, court told

A man who was so drunk when he stole an e-scooter valued at €800 that he had no recollection of carrying out the theft has been given a six-week sentence.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the owner of the €800 e-scooter parked it in a laneway beside the Cornstore restaurant in Cork city on July 19 and returned to find it stolen.

Antonio Arundel of Shannon Lawn, Mayfield, Cork, was identified on CCTV as the thief.

He appeared by video link from prison and pleaded guilty to carrying out the theft.

The e-scooter was never recovered and the defendant offered no compensation. Arundel had 73 previous convictions, including nine for theft, one for robbery, and two for burglary.

Shane Collins-Daly said the 36-year-old was highly intoxicated at the time of the theft and could not remember carrying it out.

“He is very sorry, whatever consolation that is to the owner of the scooter,” he said. “He has a longstanding alcohol addiction. He is anxious to lead a more productive life and become a productive member of society. Without alcohol he is very affable.”

Judge Ryan noted what the solicitor was saying, but said: “The court will have to impose a custodial sentence of six weeks. He has a number of serious previous convictions.”

The sentence was backdated to April 21.

Mr Arundel said: “Much appreciated. Thank you very much, your honour.”