Pensioner in the Midlands in court after becoming irate when self service tills in supermarket wouldn’t work
The man became irate after three self service tills failed
A pensioner appeared in court after he became irate when self service tills wouldn’t work in Laois on New Year’s Day.
Liam Greene (73) of 317 Monks Bridge Court, Maryborough, Portlaoise admitted engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in Supervalu, Lyster Square, Portlaoise on January 1, 2024.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident happened at around 3.15pm while a female shop worker was attempting to assist the defendant.
The man became irate and said “you are a f**king scumbag” and “let’s take this outside”, Sgt Kirby said. He said the man has previous convictions but they date back to 2005.
Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client had gone to the shop and was buying items. He said the defendant cares for his wife who is very ill and his comments had not been directed at the female shopworker.
He said the man had gone to a self service checkout which “broke down” and this happened with a second and third checkout. The man then asked the woman, who was assisting another customer to help him. The shopkeeper assisted the defendant but left before the transaction was complete and another customer said “something along the lines” of relax to the defendant, Mr Meagher said.
Mr Meagher said his client then “asked this gentleman to mind his own business” and he said any “words that were muttered” were directed towards the customer, who was a man.
“He hasn’t come to any adverse attention in 20 years,” Mr Meagher pointed out. He also said his client wanted to apologise for any upset he caused and had brought €250 to court.
Judge Susan Fay described the incident as unacceptable. She asked if the identity of the Supervalu worker was known.
“That woman was providing an essential service on a public holiday,” she said.
Judge Fay directed that the €250 be delivered to the worker in question.
“I will bring it up after the court,” Sgt Kirby told the Judge.
Once the money was handed over Judge Fay applied the probation act.