A 21-years-old Shantalla man who stole over €3,000 from his employers over a three-week period was placed on probation for six months at Galway District Court yesterday.
Declan McGowan, 29 MacDara Road, Shantalla, Galway, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of stealing an estimated €3,226 from Pet World, Terryland, Galway, on dates between November 7 and 26 last year, when he first appeared before the court on June 23 last.
Judge Mary Fahy adjourned the charges to yesterday’s court for the preparation of a probation report on hearing the accused had no previous convictions and had repaid €3,300.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court in June that the accused was taking cash from the till by creating bogus customer refunds and the estimated amount taken was €3,226.
Defence solicitor, Adrian MacLynn said in June that McGowan had started drinking heavily after the break-up of a long term relationship and he took the money to feed his drink habit.
Judge Fahy said the probation report handed into court yesterday was very favourable as she had expected it to be.
She placed McGowan on probation for six months on condition he continue to co-operate with the probation service for six months and attend for alcohol assessment at Merlin Park treatment centre.
