Cork man who stole €800 e-scooter was so drunk he could not remember the theft, court told

Defendant pleaded guilty to stealing e-scooter from outside Cork City restaurant

Defendant was sentenced to six weeks in custody. File picture

An e-scooter valued at €800 was stolen by a man who was so drunk at the time he had no recollection of carrying out the theft, and now he has been given a six-week sentence.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the owner of the €800 e-scooter parked it in a laneway beside the Cornstore restaurant in Cork City on July 19 and returned to find it stolen.

Antonio Arundel, of Shannon Lawn, Mayfield, Cork, was identified on CCTV as the person who stole the property.

He appeared by video link from prison and pleaded guilty to carrying out the theft.

The stolen e-scooter was never recovered and the defendant offered no compensation to the owner.

Antonio Arundel had 73 previous convictions, including nine for theft, one for robbery and two for burglary.

Solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the 36-year-old was highly intoxicated at the time of the theft and could not remember carrying it out.

“He is very sorry, whatever consolation that is to the owner of the scooter. He has a longstanding alcohol addiction.

“He is anxious to lead a more productive life and become a productive member of society. Without alcohol, he is very affable,” Mr Collins-Daly said.

Judge Catherine Ryan noted what the solicitor was saying in his submission but said: “The court will have to impose a custodial sentence of six weeks. He has a number of serious previous convictions.” 

The sentence was backdated to April 21.

Mr Arundel said by video link from prison: “Much appreciated. Thank you very much, your honour.”