'I was very fond of the drink', Corkman who stole TV from supermarket told judge

Accused had no recollection of theft of smart television and bottle of spirits from Tesco in Wilton on May 12, court heard

John McDonagh, 33, of 1 Inchera Close, Mahon, Cork, pleaded guilty to carrying out the crime on May 12 at Tesco in Wilton where he stole a €250 smart television and a €28 bottle of spirits — neither of which was ever recovered by the store. File picture

A man who walked out of a supermarket without making any effort to pay for a smart TV and a bottle of spirits explained to a sentencing judge: “I was very fond of the drink.” 

John McDonagh, 33, of 1 Inchera Close, Mahon, Cork, pleaded guilty to carrying out the crime on May 12 at Tesco in Wilton where he stole a €250 smart television and a €28 bottle of spirits — neither of which was ever recovered by the store.

Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the accused was serving a sentence of 10 months for other crimes and was due for release from prison in February 2024.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the crime at Tesco was caught on CCTV and the accused was clearly identified.

He had 89 previous convictions, including 34 for theft and one for burglary.

Mr Collins-Daly said the accused had a longstanding alcohol addiction and had committed a lot of thefts.

Judge Joanne Carroll said of the accused: “He has not seen fit to return it — he has held on to the TV.” 

The solicitor said: “He instructed me he had no recollection of it. He asked me to get CCTV. He is seen picking up the bottle of alcohol and putting it in his pocket. He picks up TV and literally walks out in full view. He could not possibly have gotten away with this offence.” 

The defendant added, as he appeared by video link from prison: “At the time, I was very fond of drink. I’m learning from this now. I am in school in prison. I am back with my wife. I have a young family I’m trying to get out to. I am on disability... No one would give me work.

“Would you put me on a 12-month probation bond for me to link in with them [probation] — I would be very happy with that.” 

Judge Carroll replied: “I’m sure you would be.” 

The judge considered the matter and concluded: “Probably a mistake but I will put you on a bond for 18 months on condition that you must attend for alcohol addiction treatment and not commit further offences.”