Longford District Court: Judge warns man over theft charge

A former construction worker with over 20 previous convictions had been warned by a judge he will have to “repay society” after pleading guilty to shoplifting.

Alan Maher (37), Apartment 5, Take 2, Earl Street, Longford was charged with the theft of a bottle of pink gin, taken from Aldi. Athlone Road, Longford on June 27, 2023.

The court was told the alleged incident happened shortly before 9pm on June 27.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said Mr Maher passed all points of payment upon leaving the supermarket with the gin and initally refused to hand it back when approached by a security guard.

He said he was later tracked down and arrested while being fully cooperative with gardaí.

The court was also told Mr Maher had 24 previous convictions, 13 for public order although none of those were for theft.

Defence solicitor John Quinn said Mr Maher was dealing with his prediliction to alcohol.

He added his client was currently out of work and on disability allowance at the present time.

Judge Brendan O'Reilly said while he appreciated this was the first time Mr Maher had been brought before the courts on a theft charge, the time in which the accused faced up to his wrongdoings was fast approaching.

“The question of repaying society has to be addressed after 24 previous convictions,” he said.

The case was adjourned for Mr Maher to be assessed for the suitability of completing 80 hours of community service in lieu of one month in prison.

Mr Maher will appear at a sitting of Longford District Court on February 13, 2024.