Burglary at Cork hotel results in man getting seven month jail term 

An early hours burglary at the River Lee Hotel on Western Rd resulted in a 26-year-old man receiving a jail term of seven months.

Judge David Waters imposed that sentence on David Johnson, of Cork Simon Community, at Cork District Court.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the incident occurred after 3am on June 3 at the River Lee Hotel when he entered the premises, went behind the counter of a bar, and selected two bottles of vodka with a total value of €109.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said that thankfully there was no interaction with anybody at the premises on the occasion.

Johnson pleaded guilty to a burglary charge arising out of that incident.

He also admitted several other offences between June and August.

Johnson pleaded guilty shoplifting at Centra on Main St, Ballincollig, and at Centra on North Main St, when alcohol was stolen both times.

He confessed to being drunk and a danger at Kyrl’s Quay, again at Winthrop St, as well as at Bishop Lucey Park on two occasions and at Anglesea St.

Sgt Davis said that the accused had 58 previous convictions, including 18 for theft and 23 for being drunk and a danger to himself or others.

Mr Burke said that one garda who dealt with the accused said that he has encountered the young man either passed out on the street or passed out on a bench.

“He is quite a vulnerable young man,” Mr Burke said.

“He is from Carrigaline. He is living with Cork Simon Community and gets the support of Cork Penny Dinners. He ends up drinking with people who are more influential on him. He loses accommodation and falls into homelessness and addiction.”