Footballer turned shoplifter asks for jail 'for chance to dry out'

Judge describes offences as 'scourge' of shopkeepers

The accused was once a talented soccer player but had alcohol-related difficulties. Picture: Larry Cummins

A once talented soccer player ended up drinking so heavily that he wanted to be jailed to have any chance of drying out and the judge said his shoplifting offences were "the scourge" of shopkeepers and putting some of them out of business.

Daniel O’Donovan, of Mount Nebo Avenue, Gurranabraher, Cork, spoke up about needing to be jailed, as his solicitor, Frank Buttimer, was addressing the court on his behalf, “to get my head together, your honour”.