'Food delivery drivers should be treated with respect,' says judge in Cork theft case

Michael Faulkner failed to pay for a Chinese meal from the delivery man who brought it to his home in Togher

Judge Boyle said delivery drivers "work hard day and night and are essential for the economy.” File Picture: PA

Food delivery drivers should be treated with respect as they work hard day and night and are an essential part of the economy, a sentencing judge said as she took a very dim view of crimes being committed against them.

Judge Helen Boyle was sentencing 24-year-old Michael Faulkner on Friday for stealing a Chinese meal from the delivery man who brought the curry, chips and Diet Coke to his home in Togher.

“They work for tips. And at the very least they must be paid for what they deliver. Delivery drivers should be treated with respect,” Judge Boyle said.

The accused man initially faced the prospect of trial by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the charge of robbing the delivery man. However, the prosecution agreed to accept a plea of guilty to the lesser charge of theft — rather than robbery.

Defence barrister, Donal O’Sullivan, said the accused man had brought €100 to court for the Chinese takeaway to compensate them and a further €500 to compensate the delivery man.

24-year-old Michael Faulkner of 26 Palmbury Orchard, Togher, Cork, was charged by Garda Patrick Connery with the offence in relation to a Chinese takeaway meal to the value of €28.50 on February 22, 2023.

Judge Boyle said the compensation was a tangible gesture of apology by the accused man for his actions.

Initially, the Director of Public Prosecutions decided that the case against the accused man for robbery of a Chinese meal from a delivery man could be dealt with at district court level but only on a plea of guilty.

Mr Faulkner challenged the robbery charge and came before Cork Circuit Criminal Court where he faced the prospect of trial by judge and jury. Now the prosecution has accepted the guilty plea to the lesser charge of theft.

Judge Boyle imposed a €150 fine on Faulkner which disposes of the case.

“You ordered a takeaway meal. When the delivery driver came out you took the Chinese meal without paying for it. The delivery man had to leave without the food or payment for it.

“You were highly intoxicated. I would have to take a very dim view (of such offences against food delivery drivers). They work hard day and night and are essential for the economy.”