DISTRICT COURT ROUND-UP
From our reporter at Sligo Courthouse
Probation report for man who stole alcohol
A 46-year-old man who stole more €100’s worth of alcohol has been put on probation.
Alan Roberts of Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, Co. Sligo, pleaded guilty to theft at Sligo District Court.
The Court heard from Sgt Derek Butler that on September 11, 2023, Roberts entered the Aldi store on Cranmore Lane, Sligo at 8.42pm accompanied by another male. A significant quantity of alcohol was placed in the shopping trolley that they were using with a jacket being placed over the items.
The other male then distracted staff by saying that someone had fallen while Roberts made his getaway with the trolley and left without paying for its contents.
Taken from the store were 15 cans of lager, 15 cans of Bulmers cider, one 75cl bottle of vodka and one 75cl bottle of whisky. All of which gave a total value of €109.99.
On September 29, Roberts voluntarily contacted the Gardai where he made full admissions.
It was disclosed to the Court that he has one previous conviction – a public order offence that resulted in a €100 fine.
Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry, told the Court that his client has alcohol addiction issues and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham asked Roberts if being put in touch with probation and welfare services would help with those issues with the defendant replying, “yes”.
The Judge ordered a probation and welfare report to be carried out and adjourned the case until April 25.
Man had used brother’s name to claim benefits
A 24-year-old man who defrauded the benefits system out of nearly €2,500 was snared thanks to facial recognition technology.
Richard Sharples of Doonbreakin Road, Dromore West, Co. Sligo, pleaded guilty to social welfare fraud at Sligo District Court.
Giving evidence to the Court, Garda Greg Reagan said that on July 9, a person named ‘Tommy Sharples’ applied for a PPS number. Two months earlier, Richard Sharples had had his photo taken to support his own application for disability benefit.
However, Richard was not entitled to receive such payments as he was in receipt of payments from Scotland’s own welfare system. Meanwhile, ‘Tommy’ aka Richard, had begun to receive disability payments and was asked to attend an appointment to have his photograph taken for Welfare’s own records and to finalise his application.
Only when a facial recognition match squared the photograph of ‘Tommy’ with Richard’s own picture was it ascertained that both Sharples were indeed the same person. Richard Sharples was arrested and detained where he made full admissions, apologised to the Garda officers and offered to pay back the money – a total of €2,449 – back. Defending barrister, Kathleen and took without paying, a bottle of vodka worth €13.50.
Sgt Derek Butler told the Court that the Prosecution asked that a 10pm to 7am curfew be placed on Duncan’s bail conditions as well as requests for him to stay away from Tesco’s and Tesco Arcade on O’Connell Street, Sligo.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham agreed to the requests and placed a €200 bail bond on Duncan.
The case was adjourned until January 4.