Judge makes decision on Longford man who stole over €260 in goods from local supermarket

A judge has given a man who stole items valued at more than €260 from a supermarket on two separate occasions, an opportunity to avoid a prison term.

Anthony Mannion (56) of Clygeen, Lenamore, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to the offence at Tesco, Longford Shopping Centre on January 2 and January 8 last.

In relation to the earliest theft, Sergeant Mark Mahon said the defendant entered Tesco and he took two sets of ear pods from the packages.

“They were valued at €40 and he placed them into his pocket and he left the store and passed all points of payment and he failed to pay for same.”

The court heard the property was not recovered.

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Sgt Mahon said the defendant entered Tesco, Longford again on January 8 last at 6pm and he selected various electronic items valued at €220 and he placed them in a shopping bag.

The defendant also selected grocery items and he brought them forward and paid for them at the till.

“He failed to make a payment for the electronic devices and he concealed them in the shopping bag and he left the shop past all points of payment,” Sgt Mahon said.

“He was stopped by security personnel and by Gardaí and the items were recovered and resaleable.”

Mr Mannion had 15 previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said the law had caught up with his client who had experienced ‘some family difficulties’ in recent years.
“He cooperated in every way and he is asking me to say to you he has learnt a lesson.”

Judge Bernadette Owens noted the early plea and she decided to put the matter back to assess if Mr Mannion has 'turned a corner'.

She directed Mr Mannion to make a charitable contribution of €200 to Longford Community Resource Centre by September 8 and she said if this was done she would apply the probation act.

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