Suspended sentence for man with 22 previous convictions who stole shirts

A MAN who stole two shirts from Sean Murray's drapery store in Skibbereen has been given a four-month suspended sentence.

Patrick Faulkner from 127, Churchfield Avenue, Cork, was legally represented at Skibbereen District Court by Myra Dinneen, who produced €50 compensation and appealed for leniency. 

But Insp Fergal Foley pointed out that the accused has 22 previous convictions, including five previous for theft, and one for burglary.   

Ms Dinneen said her client, who is 37, has ‘fragile mental health' and was only in Skibbereen that day to visit his brother. 

And on the date of the theft of the two shirts – April 14th last – she said he was off his medication. Ms Dinneen appealed to Judge Timothy Lucey for leniency saying: ‘He has a huge fear of going to prison.'

In summing up, the Judge Lucey said: ‘This is a minor matter essentially, but if you are a shopkeeper, it is annoying.' 

Taking the fact that the accused had paid some compensation, and pleaded guilty, into consideration, the judge said he would suspended the sentence on condition that the accused would agree to enter into a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the next 12 months.