FLOR Murphy, solicitor, appeared at the local district court on behalf of the accused Anthony Esmond (43) 42, Glengarriff Road, Bantry. Mr Esmond, a chef, stole food items and drink on 21 occasions from a Mace supermarket in Bantry.

Mr Murphy told Judge Teresa Kelly that his client succumbed to the temptation to thieve at a time when he was struggling to clear a gambling debt.

He said his client was pleading guilty to 21 charges of stealing produce, which amounted to €303.46, but he said this was repaid to the store owner before the case went ahead.

The investigating officer, Gda Theresa Marie Sheridan, issued charges in respect of the 21 offences that occurred between September 4th and October 9th 2024.

After selecting produce, the court presenter Sgt Trish O’Sullivan said the accused would pay for some items at the till, but would not pay for those in his shopping bag.

On the first occasion, the accused stole a large bar of chocolate and onions, valued at €16. Further items that were stolen were listed in detail in court.

In mitigation, Mr Murphy said his client, who is originally from Tipperary, has never been in trouble before and had never even been in a district court before these proceedings were taken against him.

‘His problem was a gambling debt that he has since paid off,’ said Mr Murphy.

‘He gave in to temptation and would pay for some items but not others. He is totally ashamed and embarrassed by his actions,’ the solicitor added.

‘And he is anxious to get away, out of the area, and take up work as a chef in Galway.’

In addition to compensating the shop owner, Mr Murphy said his client has faced up to what he has done, and the consequences.

Judge Kelly addressed the accused saying: ‘You have pleaded guilty and taken responsibility for your actions. You have arrived at the age of 43 without any previous convictions.’

‘Because of your gambling debts you lost sight of the bigger picture,’ the judge stated before giving the accused the benefit of the Probation Act. However, the judge issued the following warning: ‘Be in no doubt, you only get the Probation Act on one occasion. If there is a repeat offence you will get a conviction’.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.