Man with 136 previous convictions gets another for theft of vodka from Cork supermarket

Accused pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of vodka valued at €24.45 from Tesco supermarket in Mallow

Inspector Tony O’Sullivan told the court that Jerry Foley, aged 50, of no fixed address, was charged with stealing a bottle of vodka valued at €24.45 from Tesco supermarket in Mallow on October 10, 2024. File picture

A man with 136 previous convictions for a variety of offences pleaded guilty to one count of theft at a recent sitting of Mallow District Court.

Inspector Tony O’Sullivan told the court that Jerry Foley, aged 50, of no fixed address, was charged with stealing a bottle of vodka valued at €24.45 from Tesco supermarket in Mallow on October 10, 2024.

Defence solicitor Charles O’Connor said his client had provided €25 compensation for the injured party and had pleaded guilty. 

Mr Foley, who appeared by video link from Cork Prison, told the court he was aware he had a suspended sentence but thought it had been dealt with previously.

Judge Colm Roberts said: “The problem with a suspended sentence is it can keep coming back to you if it isn’t triggered, like a boomerang.” 

He added: “The big problem here is the number of his previous convictions.” 

The judge said he was taking the guilty plea into consideration and sentenced Mr Foley to six months in prison.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme