Judge tells Laois man ‘needs to cop himself on’
Portlaoise Courthouse
A SOLICITOR told Portlaoise District Court that a man facing a theft charge was not a prolific thief but that he needs to cop himself on.
Barry Fitzgerald made the comment while representing Ray Malone, Harpur’s Cresent, Portlaoise, who pleaded guilty to the theft of €58.40 worth of alcohol from McSorley’s Centra, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise on 4 January.
Garda Sgt Hughes said that on the day, Mr Malone went into the shop. He took cans and bottles of alcohol, put them into a carrier bag and walked out without paying for the goods.
He said the defendant has 48 previous convictions, of which three were for theft offences.
“He’s not a prolific theft offender,” said Mr Fitzgerald. “He had been drinking on the day and took the bottles of Bulmers because he wanted his drinking binge to continue. He’s getting to an age where he realises that he needs to cop himself on.” He said Mr Malone had brought €60 with him to pay back to the shop for the goods he stole.
Judge Andrew Gubbins convicted Mr Malone of the offence and fined him €200.
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