A MAN charged with 14 counts of theft, and one of public order, handed a letter in to court promising never to offend again.

Shane O’Brien (34) formerly of Apt 1, The Perrin Inn, Glengarriff, was entered a guilty plea to all of the charges at Bantry District Court.

Sgt Trish O’Sullivan said the theft offences occurred between May 25th and July 25th last; and the public order charge of engaging in threatening or abusive words or behaviour took place outside The Perrin Inn on September 22nd.

‘He was intoxicated and became very irate and threatened to smash his car with a baseball bat. And he was shouting at the gardaí to go away in less than complementary terms,’ said the sergeant.

In relation to the theft charges, the sum of €259.81 was deducted after groceries he stole from a supermarket in Castletownbere, was recovered, leaving €383 due.

Sgt O’Sullivan said the accused has 85 previous convictions, of which 38 are for theft; 22 are for public order offending; and 14 are for road traffic matters.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy said his client had ‘broken out’ and been drinking following the death of his father at the age of 51. But he said his client is now back on track, receiving addiction treatment at Arbour House.

Judge Joanne Carroll convicted on one charge of theft, imposing a four-month sentence suspended for 18 months. The judge marked all other matters proven but taken into consideration.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.