Man who stole teabags from Laois store exasperates Judge Cody
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who initially pleaded guilty to the theft of teabags and changed his plea to not guilty and then back again to not guilty came before Portlaoise District Court last week when he again changed his plea to guilty.
However, Judge Andrew Cody was none too pleased with Micael Brady (34) of no fixed abode.
He was before the court for the theft of €13.75 worth of tea bags from the Spar store at Station Road, Portarlington on 15 January.
Judge Cody asked Mr Brady’s barrister Andrew Dunne how his client was pleading, to which he replied: “Guilty.” Giving evidence, Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said that at 3pm on the day, the accused and a woman went into the store and took the tea bags before leaving without paying.
Sgt Kirby said Mr Brady has “a long list of previous convictions.” Mr Dunne said that Mr Brady “was now stating that he didn’t take the tea bags.” Judge Cody said: “Can he make up his mind. He’s either pleading guilty or not guilty.” “I’m pleading guilty,” said Mr Brady.
“We went from not guilty to guilty, back to not guilty and now he’s pleading guilty,” said Judge Cody.
“I tried to pay the money for the tea bags,” said Mr Brady.
Clearly exasperated at this stage, Judge Cody remanded Mr Brady on continuing bail to the 19 March sitting of the court for a full hearing into the case.
Having the last word on the matter and before the case concluded, Mr Brady said: “I want to plead guilty to get this over with.” But Judge Cody was having no more of it and again informed the defendant there will be a full hearing of the case on 19 March.
