Former Laois Tesco worker stole beer from Tesco
The man appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A former Laois Tesco worker who admitted stealing Coors Light from Tesco had “forgotten” to pay for the beer, a court was told.
George Doyle (50) of 12 B Stradbrook Apartments, Portlaoise admitted stealing beer valued at €22 from Tesco Extra, Portlaoise on May 12 last.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was identified following the theft.
“He has a number of previous, they are all under the road traffic act bar one,” he said.
However, he described the previous convictions as “historic or historic-ish”.
Brian Mallon BL said his client had gone to the bottle recycling machine on the date in question. He said the man was carrying bags he had used for the recycling and had paid for a number of items but went through the self checkout and forgot to pay for the beer.
He said the man “went home, realised and went back to the shop with money to pay.”
Mr Mallon said the man spoke to the manager who informed him that the guards had been called.
“I think that might be down playing it a small bit,” Sgt Kirby said when Judge Susan Fay asked him if that was his understanding of events.
Mr Mallon said they were his instructions. He said the man had the €22 in court and the man had “walked out, realised, went back and was told the Gardaí had already been notified.”
“He fully accepts that he did take them… he is holding his hands up,” said Mr Mallon.
He asked Judge Fay to be as lenient as possible.
Judge Fay said sentenced the man to 40 hours community service in lieu of two months in prison.