Longford man who stole beer from local store told to pay compensation

Twenty-three-year-old Elvinas Svenciunas of 51 Bracklin Park, Edgeworthstown was before a recent sitting of Longford District Court charged with two counts of theft from SuperValu, Hazelwood Shopping Centre, Athlone Road, Longford.

The court heard both incidents happened on two conscutive days on April 29 and April 30 last.

Judge Bernadette Owens was told Mr Svenciunas stole seven bottles of beer to the value of €21.35.

Sgt Conor McShane, prosecuting, said none of the items stolen were recovered.

The following day, Mr Svenciunas allegedly returned to the same store and stole two further bottles of beer.

Defence solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client would be entering a guilty plea to the court.

It was further revealed Mr Svenciunas had 22 previous convictions to his name, the most recent of which was recorded in November last year for dangerous driving.

That resulted in a ten year driving disqualification, while a charge of having no driving licence was taken into consideration.

Despite Mr Svenciunas' past indiscretions, Judge Owens was told he had no previous convictions for theft.

Ms Mimnagh, in continuing her mitigation, said Mr Svenciunas had every intention to pay for the stolen good on a previous occasion, but could not do so after inadertently misplacing his wallet.

Judge Owens accepted those version of events and remanded Mr Svenciunas on continuing bail.

He is due to reappear at a sitting of Longford District Court on July 4 for compensation.