Former soccer player jailed for stealing alcohol
Daniel O’Donovan, aged 26, from 129 Mount Nebo Avenue, Gurranabraher, Cork, was jailed yesterday by Judge Con O’Leary at Cork District Court.
Inspector Gary McPolin said that, on July 6, O’Donovan was caught stealing a bottle of vodka from Supervalu in Hollyhill, Cork.
Insp McPolin added that, in April 2010, O’Donovan and another man went into an off-licence on Shandon Street, Cork, and stole two slabs of lager.
O’Donovan pleaded guilty to both thefts yesterday.
Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said O’Donovan had been a very talented soccer player and had trials with Celtic when he was younger.
However, he did not end up making the move to the Scottish club and has since become addicted to alcohol and has received 38 criminal convictions before yesterday.
“Those previous convictions are a mixum-gatherum of public order, theft and drugs offences,” said Mr Buttimer.
“He is living at home, although he is not always welcome at home because of his drinking. All his problems stem from alcohol abuse.”
Mr Buttimer said O’Donovan had made recent attempts to get accepted onto a treatment programme at Arbour House but had not followed through with it.
