'I am an honest man', Cork man convicted of 12 shoplifting offences tells judge

Defendant had 205 previous convictions, including 37 for theft, 31 for being threatening and abusive and 50 for being drunk and a danger, court heard

Accused was given a seven-month jail sentence.

A man who carried out 12 shoplifting offences in Cork City was jailed for seven months as the sentencing judge said shopkeepers were challenged by such thefts as they strive to pay their staff, rates and other business expenses.

Judge Mary Dorgan initially imposed a sentence of five months on 48-year-old Paul McCarthy and directed him to come under the direction of the probation service for a period following his release from prison.