Suspended sentence given to man in ‘need of guidance’

A man with 95 previous convictions has been given a two-month suspended sentence.

Joseph Bowe (44) of 1 Foulkscourt, Johnstown pleaded guilty to theft at Thurles District Court.

The court was told that on February 26, 2022, gardaí received a report that goods to the value of €28.96, had been stolen from Tesco on Liberty Square.

The goods included four cans of Jack Daniels and a pack of Benson and Hedges; none of which was recovered.

The court heard that the defendant had drunk two cans before putting the others in his pocket. He had attempted to pay for some items, but his card was declined.

The court was told that the defendant had 95 previous convictions, including 26 for theft. Brian Hughes, solicitor for the defendant, told the court his client suffers from Bipolar disorder, was not taking his meds and was drinking heavily at the time of the offence.

He said his client had addiction issues but is supported by his family. Additionally he had admitted the offence, Mr Hughes told the court.

Mr Hughes asked that the defendant be given the benefit of the probation service.

“He is clearly a man who needs guidance,” said Mr Hughes.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath noted the man’s previous record and imposed a two-month prison sentence, suspended for one year.