Prison sentence for sardine thief who abused shop staff in West Cork

Accused had offered guilty pleas to three charges of theft and two charges of threatening and abusive behaviour

The defendant was sentenced to five months in prison with the last two months suspended for 12 months on two counts of theft. File picture

A Lithuanian man who was verbally abusive towards shop staff and stole alcohol and sardines has been given a custodial sentence in the district court.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Skibbereen District Court that Marius Karanauskas, aged 49, of Upper Bridge St, Skibbereen, had offered guilty pleas to three charges of theft and two charges of threatening and abusive behaviour relating to several incidents in May 2026.

The court heard that on May 10, 2026, Karanauskas entered the Daybreak shop on Bridge St at 8.30pm. He behaved “very aggressively” towards a 16-year-old female member of staff and could be seen acting “in an irate fashion” on CCTV footage.

On May 13, 2026, Karanauskas went to Aldi in Skibbereen and took two bottles of wine with a total value of €16.98. He left the store with the wine but did not pay for it and was identified on CCTV. Karanauskas did not reimburse the store for the loss of the stolen goods.

On May 14, 2026, Karanauskas returned to Aldi and again stole two bottles of wine as well as some sardines. He left the store with the goods valued at €33.95 but did not pay for the items.

On May 15, 2026, he went to Daybreak on Bridge St where he attempted to purchase three beers valued at €9.56. Karanauskas was informed he was barred and was again abusive to staff, who refused to accept his money. He left a €10 note on the counter and exited with the alcohol.

The court was told that Karanauskas had 19 previous convictions including one for theft and one for threatening and abusive behaviour. 

Colette McCarthy, defending, said her client had always worked but had ongoing problems with alcohol. She said now he was in custody, he was trying to address the issue with treatment services.

Judge Joanne Carroll said Karanauskas had previously been given opportunities by the court but had not taken them. She said he had been given temporary release from prison in April and these matters had happened “almost straight away".

Karanauskas was sentenced to five months in prison with the last two months suspended for 12 months on two counts of theft. The last two months were suspended on condition that he undergoes treatment for his alcohol addiction. 

The third theft charge was struck out and the two charges of threatening and abusive behaviour were taken into consideration.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.