Cork shoplifter spared jail after telling court of charitable works

The court heard that the defendant had done a lot of work to raise money for charities, including fundraising cycles for Cork Penny Dinners

John Paul Long admitted to stealing €62 worth of candles at Lidl on Cornmarket Street, Cork. File photo: Des Barry

A Cork man who admitted two counts of shoplifting told of his charitable works in court – including his captaincy of the Ireland team for a homeless soccer competition in Portugal.

John Paul Long of 29 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, pleaded guilty to carrying out a theft at Lidl on Cornmarket Street, Cork, on November 5, 2020, when he stole €62 worth of candles.