A MAN who stole an e-bike in Rosscarbery while drunk was ordered to carry out 60 hours of community service and get treatment for his alcohol habit.

Daniel Huggins (36), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Skibbereen District Court to criminal damage and handling stolen goods.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy said the owner had locked his bike at Barrack Lane at 11.55pm on August 13th last and reported it stolen at 1.10am the following morning.

Gardaí carried out a search of the area and could not find the e-bike.

Later that day Mr Tobin reclaimed the e-bike near the lagoon in Rosscarbery, the court heard.

He contacted gardaí and said he had observed Mr Huggins with his bike.

Mr Huggins was identified on CCTV footage showing him riding the e-bike the previous night at Townlands, Rosscarbery.

A light at the front of the bike valued at €40 was damaged.

Mr Huggins had four previous convictions for assault and drug offences, the court heard. 

The court heard Mr Huggins was drunk at the time of the offence and wanted to apologise.

‘I’m not proud of myself, ’said Mr Huggins.

He was prepared to pay the victim €100 compensation, the court heard. 

Judge Joanne Carroll ordered him to carry out 60 hours of community service in lieu of three months in prison for handling of stolen goods.

She sentenced him to two months’ jail for criminal damage, suspended for 12 months. 

‘I note you paid compensation,’ Judge Carroll said, placing him on probation on condition that he cooperate with the probation service and gets alcohol addiction treatment.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.