Three men took jackets without paying

THREE men before Sligo District Court for theft of three jackets from Homeland, Deepwater Quay, Sligo were described by defending solicitor Mr Gerard McGovern as showing a lack of brains. He said the defendants John Sweeney (19) of Alma Terrace, Sligo and John McDonagh, also of Alma Terrace carried out an act that could only be described as foolish by walking into the shop they are known in and leaving without paying for jackets. Another accused Bernard Sweeney, did not appear in court and a bench warrant was issued. When gardaí later questioned them they admitted what they had done. They returned the jackets which were still in a saleable condition. Judge Kevin Kilrane said this type of petty larceny is a pest to shop owners and needs to be stamped out. He fined Sweeney who had a previous conviction saying if he picks up a third he will be knocking on the door of Castlerea and fined him €200. McDonagh was fined €300.