A Foxford man has been jailed for four months for theft from Dunnes Store, Castlebar.
David McAndrew, Shanwar, Foxford, pleaded guilty in Castlebar District Court on Wednesday to theft from Dunnes Store on December 20 last.
The court heard he walked into the store and picked up 13 various items of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, valued at €379. He put the clothing in a bag and walked out without paying.
He was stopped in the car park by store staff and all of the items were recovered.
Solicitor for McAndrew, Mr Paul Cunney, said his client has a long history of problems associated with drugs and alcohol. He was sober for eight years prior to May 2014 and he did not come to the attention of the gardaí or court during that time.
McAndrew has 12 previous convictions.
“Once he drinks, he knows he is going to end up in court,” said Mr Cunney. “It was coming up to Christmas, he was under financial pressure and he made a mistake.”
Judge Mary Devins told the defendant he had reached “the end of the gangplank”.
“Why would any court keep giving this man chances?” said the judge.
She sentenced McAndrew to four months imprisonment and fined him €300.
Recognisance in the event of an appeal was fixed.
