Toothbrush with the law: Man sought winning smile

A man’s desire to come up with a winning smile saw him biting off more than he could chew.

His actions brought him before Cork District Court yesterday where Judge John King said the crime of stealing two €100 electric toothbrushes could have merited a two-month jail sentence.

However, the culprit might have allowed himself a smile of relief when Judge King said he could do 120 hours of community service instead of the prison term.

Damian Niziol of Na Prapoga, Chikley Road, Youghal, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to stealing two Oral B electric toothbrushes at Boots on Half Moon Street, Cork, costing just under €200.

He also admitted stealing a €17 tube of Vichy face cream from McCarthy’s pharmacy on St Patrick’s Street, Cork, in the same date, May 18.

Inspector Bill Duane said the accused had 14 previous convictions including three for theft.

Judge King asked: “Why face cream and toothbrushes?” Solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said of Niziol, 29: “He wanted a winning white smile. Perhaps he was carried away with all the dental ads on telly about how important it is to look after your teeth.”

Mr Cuddigan said he did not know why the accused wanted the electric toothbrush rather than a standard one, adding: “He is certainly strong enough to wield an ordinary toothbrush.”