Kerry man accused of stealing laptop from Cork hotel told judge: 'I had a bad day' 

Accused took drugs that day and does not know where the laptop is, he told court

Accused was observed on CCTV going behind the main reception desk at the Imperial Hotel and entering a back office before leaving after a few seconds, it is alleged. File picture: Denis Minihane

A Tralee man accused of stealing a laptop computer belonging to staff at the Imperial Hotel in Cork declared during his bail application: “Basically, I had a bad day”.

Garda Raz Ghetau objected to bail being granted to Trevor Collins, 32, from Tralee, who is living at Cork Simon Community on Anderson’s Quay, Cork.

Garda Ghetau said it was alleged CCTV was examined and Mr Collins was observed going behind the main reception desk at the Imperial Hotel and entering a back office before leaving after a few seconds.

“He then walked into the Sketch Restaurant, asked the manager where was the bar. And as he was leaving, he picked up a HP laptop, valued €500 and placed it under his jacket and left the hotel,” Garda Ghetau testified at Cork District Court.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke called on the accused man to give evidence in is own bail application.

Trevor Collins said to Judge Joanne Carroll: “Do you know what happened? Alprazolam. Basically, I had a bad day… I took alprazolam. I had a blackout. I don’t know where the laptop is.” 

He said he wanted to go into rehabilitation in relation to his addiction: “I need treatment. I need help. I would be willing to take any bail conditions whatsoever.

“If I can find the laptop I will. There’s only three places — it could be in my father’s, in the Simon or in a girl’s flat that I go up to. I would love to bring it back. It was absolutely stupid. 

"I live in Simon. My father takes me in sometimes on Glanmire Road.” 

Judge Carroll said: “I am going to give you a chance. It will probably be a mistake.” 

The defendant replied: “Judge, It won’t be a mistake.” 

The case was adjourned for mention on October 31.