Shoplifter who 'filled up trolley' stole over €700 of alcohol from Longford supermarkets

A Longford town resident with a notable theft record who stole over €700 worth of liquor from supermarkets in Longford has been directed to come up with compensation.

Sergej Suster of 20 Weavers Hall, Market Square pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to three counts of theft.

Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said the defendant entered Aldi in Longford at 5.30pm on  January 21 last and he filled a shopping trolley up with alcohol.

"He took whiskey, this man then placed all of the bottles in his own bag and he left the shop passing all points of payment.

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"The male was subsequently identified and the alcohol was not recovered."

Sgt Mahon said Gardaí received a report of a theft that occurred at 4.30pm on February 11, 2023 at Aldi five days after the offence.

"The store manager reported a male entered the store with a shopping trolley and took seven bottles of spirits to the value of €197.46 and placed them in a brown bag."

Sgt Mahon said the defendant left the store through the entrance door without any attempt to pay and the alcohol was not recovered.

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The officer stated the third theft occurred at Friends Telecom in Annaly Court, Longford on March 18, 2024.

The injured party took a phone call and while he was distracted the suspect took his wallet from the counter.

The court heard the wallet was recovered with all of the cards, however, €70 in cash was removed and not recovered.

Sgt Mahon said the theft was captured on CCTV and Mr Suster was identified and spoken to by Gardaí and he made a full admission.

The defendant had 18 previous convictions, including nine for theft and one for burglary and one for robbery.

The defendant's solicitor addressed Judge Bernadette Owens and he asked for the matter to be adjourned so his client could gather a sum of compensation money to go towards the value of the property that was not recovered".

Sgt Mahon said they were awaiting DPP directions on two further matters and Judge Owens decided to adjourn the case until November 11 next for that reason and for the compensation money to be collected.

"I will give him a chance to put his best foot forward but given his record [that will be a factor]."