A man who has 16 previous convictions was before Ballina District Court this week after he tried to break into a food store in the town, where he caused €300 worth of criminal damage.
On July 8 at 5.30am, Edward Sweeney, 9 Moy Court, Ballina used a steel road barrier to try and break open the door of Heffernan’s shop, Market Street, Ballina.
A baker, who was in the store at the time, notified gardaí and Sweeney was located.
The defendant, who had drunk heavily that night, has no recollection of the incident and he offered €150 compensation in court.
Judge Mary Devins remanded him on continuing bail to January 25 for sentencing, and for full compensation to be paid on or before that date.
