Man with 'atrocious record' who stole laptop and runners from Cork gym avoids jail

The court in Cork heard that the defendant 'was very unwell with his mental health at the time'

The incident happened at the Blue Nile gym on French Church Street, Cork. File photo

A 44-year-old man with “an atrocious record” who forced his way into a staff office of The Blue Nile gym in Cork was given a 10-month jail term suspended on condition that he commits no crimes in the next two years.

Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the background to the offence captured on CCTV at 7.40pm on June 9, 2024, at the premises on French Church Street, Cork.

“A male and a female entered an office forcefully, that they did not have permission to be in, and stole a Dell laptop and pair of Nike Air Jordan runners.

“The male suspect was identified as Connie Foley. On June 18, 2024, Connie Foley was arrested and detained in relation to the incident. He made no admissions during the interview.

“Clothing was seized from Connie Foley which he was wearing at the time of the incident. He was charged by Garda Conor Cronin with burglary,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Connie Foley of Ceol Na nEan, Mallow, County Cork, pleaded guilty on Monday to the burglary and there was no victim impact statement in respect of the crime.

He had 154 previous convictions, including eight for robbery, four for burglary, one for aggravated burglary, and 22 for theft. On September 8 he got five months for a number of recent thefts.

Defence solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, said: “He accepts the circumstances as outlined. He was very unwell with his mental health at the time. He has a very bad history, he accepts that, he does have the support of his partner. 

"He has been engaging with Cork mental health services. He does want to deal with his addictions. He knows it is up to him to get the help he needs. He can only apologise to the victims of the crime which is probably scant consolation for them.” 

Judge John King said: “He has an atrocious record. The nature of offending in this incident is of a serious nature. There was an early plea of guilty. I will sentence him to 10 months consecutive to the sentence imposed on September 8, suspended on condition that he is of good behaviour for two years.”