'I am an honest man', Cork man convicted of 12 shoplifting offences tells judge

Defendant had 205 previous convictions, including 37 for theft, 31 for being threatening and abusive and 50 for being drunk and a danger, court heard

Accused was given a seven-month jail sentence.

A man who carried out 12 shoplifting offences in Cork City was jailed for seven months as the sentencing judge said shopkeepers were challenged by such thefts as they strive to pay their staff, rates and other business expenses.

Judge Mary Dorgan initially imposed a sentence of five months on 48-year-old Paul McCarthy and directed him to come under the direction of the probation service for a period following his release from prison.

However, Paul McCarthy said he refused to have anything to do with the probation service as he was not happy with previous dealings he had with that service.

Previous to the 12 new theft offences, the defendant had 205 convictions, including 37 for theft, 31 for being threatening and abusive and 50 for being drunk and a danger.

Mr McCarthy said, “I am an honest man outside of everything else. I would rather not have probation because of my history with that agency. I have my issue with that agency. I have to accept who I am.” 

Judge Dorgan then decided because of the probation option being ruled out by the defendant, the total sentence would be seven months instead of five months.

The latest offences including the thefts and public order charges were committed between June and August.