Cork man stole alcohol twice within hours of being released on bail

Man has 50 previous convictions for theft

Cork District Court heard the man stole from Tesco Express on South Main St, Cork, on two occasions after his release.

A 48-year-old man who had to be brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court on Sunday morning (March 2) was released on bail requiring him not to offend and to stay out of Oliver Plunkett St but he breached it within a matter of hours by stealing alcohol twice and turning up drunk.

To make matters even worse, Paul McCarthy, of Cork Simon Community, was so drunk that he was a source of danger to himself or others on Oliver Plunkett St, Cork.

Judge Mary Dorgan said it was shortly after noon on Sunday before Paul McCarthy was released on bail. And she asked what time he committed his latest offences.

Sergeant John Kelleher said that just before 4pm on Sunday afternoon McCarthy stole two multi-packs of alcohol costing €44 from Tesco Express on South Main St, Cork.

At 6.15pm he returned to the same store and stole a multi-pack of Captain Morgan’s worth €76.

Ten minutes later he was so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others on Oliver Plunkett Street.

Judge Dorgan said she granted him bail only to see him commit three new offences within hours of his release.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said: “It may be a case where the less said the better. He appreciates he got bail yesterday and that one of the conditions was to stay out of Oliver Plunkett St.

“He doesn’t want to try the patience of the court so he is pleading guilty immediately. He has chronic alcohol difficulties and homelessness difficulties.

“He does well in custody always but when he is discharged the same cycle occurs — a repeat cycle of theft, imprisonment, and discharge. It is not for want of trying but the alcohol has a grip on him.” 

Judge Dorgan said the drunkenness offence only carried a monetary fine so she imposed a €350 fine or four days in prison in default of payment. On the first theft at Tesco Express, she imposed a three-month prison sentence, and a three-month consecutive term on the second theft.

He has 50 previous convictions for theft and another 52 for being so drunk that he was a danger. His total convictions run to 221.