Security man bitten on nipple by shoplifter

A SUPERMARKET security man was bitten on the nipple by a man he nabbed for shoplifting.

Inspector Bill Duane said Wayne Kearney of 36 Lakelands Crescent, Mahon, Cork, was detained at Tesco, Mahon Point, Cork, for stealing items with the help of a woman with a buggy.

“Mr Janusc Sleolziewski had detained Mr Kearney. Witnesses describe seeing him (Kearney) leaping at the security man and hitting him across the head. He also bit him on the chest injuring his nipple,” Insp Duane said.

Kearney pleaded guilty to the assault on Mr Sleolziewski and the theft of DVDs, video games and groceries.

Judge Leo Malone asked the injured party how he was now and if he was pursuing compensation.

Mr Sleolziewski said he was fine and was not claiming compensation.

However, Judge Malone said the injured party had to be compensated. Donal Daly, solicitor, said Kearney absolutely accepted he had to pay some compensation and asked for a four-week adjournment so that he could gather €1,000.

Judge Malone said that was insufficient and that €2,500 would be a more appropriate figure.

He said he would give Kearney time to raise that money.

“What he is staring at here is prison unless the compensation is paid,” the judge said. If it is paid, Judge Malone indicated he would probably impose a suspended sentence or a community service order.

The case was put back for a month to give Kearney a chance to gather some – if not all – of the compensation.

Insp Duane said Kearney was seen on the day of the incident, February 12, 2009, putting items on the top of a buggy pushed by a young woman. This was followed by an attempt to put such items into a bag at a changing room, Insp Duane said.