Man who stole toiletries from Cork pharmacy four times jailed for four months

Boots pharmacy on Half Moon Street had goods stolen by the defendant four times — three of those being on one day, court heard

On November 5, the accused went to Boots , entering it three times in the course of the day and picking up a €45 perfume set each time, causing a loss on that day of €135 Picture: Paddy Cummins/

The same store was hit three times in one day by the same shoplifter and a fourth time on another day and now he has been jailed for four months.

Ian O’Sullivan, of Cork Simon Community, was sentenced by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to several counts of shoplifting and being so drunk he was a danger to himself or others on the streets.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said Boots pharmacy on Half Moon Street had goods stolen by the defendant four times — three of those being on one day.

On November 5, the accused went to the Boots premises, entering it three times in the course of the day and picking up a €45 perfume set each time, causing a loss on that day of €135. 

Matters got worse on November 20, when he went back to Half Moon Street at lunchtime that day and stole €250 worth of toiletries.

On other dates last month, he committed further offences. He was found on Clontarf Street in a highly intoxicated condition where he was a danger to himself and others.

He was found slumped against a wall on Robert Street another day in a similar condition.

On November 22, he was stopped in Cork city centre with another bag of stolen toiletries. He admitted stealing them from Dealz on Grand Parade earlier.

The accused had six previous burglary convictions and 53 for theft.

Joseph Cuddigan, solicitor, said: “Unfortunately, Mr O’Sullivan has had an ongoing difficulty with alcohol. There was a plea forthcoming at the earliest opportunity.

“He is a man of quite considerable potential. He brought in Gamblers Anonymous to the prison. That is still there and has helped many prisoners.” 

Judge Dorgan said: “I am really impressed that he has brought Gamblers Anonymous into the prison, it is really helpful. It would be really good if he could get his life back together again.

“But is it is very hard for store owners — four thefts from Boots. It is very difficult for shops to manage on an ongoing basis. He has a lot of previous convictions.”