A man who scanned items at a self-service machine but didn’t pay for €25.70 worth of groceries and alcohol committed ‘a miserable and mean-spirited offence’, the judge said.

Judge Joanne Carroll made the comment after hearing evidence from Sgt Tom Mulcahy at Bantry District Court in the case of Ben Robinson (32) of Shanacashel, Coppeen, Enniskeane.

The accused pleaded guilty through his solicitor, Flor Murphy and offered an apology for his actions.

Gda Timothy O’Donovan inspected CCTV footage which showed the accused scanning some items at 2.30pm on Monday May 6th 2024 at Cronin’s, Ballylickey and not paying for others.

The accused, a tree surgeon by profession, gave a voluntary cautioned statement and signed it.

The solicitor said this is the only theft offence committed by his client.

But Sgt Mulcahy pointed out that the accused has 13 previous convictions.

In mitigation, Mr Murphy said his client is a father of three and is living in a mobile home on his parent’s property. 

Judge Carroll noted that the accused had already been given a suspended sentence for assault and affray.

She claimed he had shown ‘no consideration for the poor innocent shopkeeper when he committed this mean and miserly act.

‘He felt entitled to go in and steal goods. This was miserable and mean-spirited. This man is not a refugee from war. He is entitled and privileged,’ Judge Carroll said before imposing a €200 fine and ordering the accused to complete 70 hours community service in lieu of three-months imprisonment.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.