Judge refers to Cork retailers' difficulties with shoplifters as he jails prolific offender

The court heard the accused had 338 previous convictions and that 58 of those were for theft

Judge Olann Kelleher said that while the value of the goods stolen recently by the accused was not high, shoplifting was causing huge difficulties at retail premises where people are being employed. File picture: Larry Cummins

Shopkeepers experience huge difficulties in Cork with people shoplifting, a District Judge said as he jailed a prolific offender for eight months.

Maurice Roche pleaded guilty to a number of thefts against a background of extensive criminal convictions.