Longford man was wearing stolen clothes when apprehended by gardaí
A man with over 100 previous convictions attempted to steal clothes which he had put on him in a supermarket, the recent sitting of Longford District Court heard.
William McDonnell (50), 13 Sandy Lane Apartments, Richmond Street, Longford was charged with theft of clothes from Dunnes Stores, Dublin Road, Longford on May 19 last.
The court heard that William McDonnell entered Dunnes Stores and put on clothes valued at €160, without paying for the items. When caught, the defendant said, “I am sorry, I should never have done it.”
The court heard the defendant had 125 previous convictions.
Defence solicitor John Quinn said the property had been recovered. “He was apprehended, wearing it,” Sergeant Enda Daly said.
“That’s not going to be resaleable,” Judge Bernadette Owens said.
“It was only put on in the store,” Mr Quinn said.
The defendant had a lot of tragedy in his life and is in very poor health, Mr Quinn said.
“He appreciates the help he gets from the McVerry Trust,” Mr Quinn said.
The defendant said he would have money to pay compensation later in the week.
Judge Owens said she was aware of the defendant’s personal issues. She said she would have to look at a previous suspended sentence. She said she would put the matter back until after Christmas to give the defendant an opportunity to pay compensation and allow the Peter McVerry Trust to give an update on his circumstances.