A 25-year-old Ballina man, who stole a 20-pack of Budweiser from Tesco, Ballina, was described in court as having a serious alcohol problem.
Thomas Conroy, 102 Barnadearg, Ballina, was before the district court after he was detected, with another female, stealing groceries and alcohol, worth €61.20, from the supermarket on September 21, 2013.
He has 33 previous convictions, relating to the Road Traffic Act, public order, theft and assault.
Solicitor for Conroy, John Gordon, said his client has suffered from alcoholism for six or seven years now. All his previous convictions are related to alcohol misuse. However, he is now attending AA and attempting to turn his life around.
He stole the beer on the day because he wanted a drink, explained Gordon. “He needs help rather than punishment,” said the solicitor.
Judge Denis McLoughlin ordered Conroy to carry out 120 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence.
