Thefts from garage shop just ‘don’t make sense at all’

A man who admitted to stealing items from Applegreen had caused no end of trouble, Judge Kevin Kilrane stated at Sligo District Court.

Martin Ward (26) of Dillon Court, Manorhamilton, who told the court he would be leaving Ireland soon for England after an upcoming court appearance in Tubbercurry, stated he didn’t know why he stole the items worth €47.50 from Applegreen on Pearse Road.

Defence solicitor, Mr Gerard McGovern said €100 in compensation had already been paid by the defendant to Applegreen. There was also the sum of €250 in court.

Judge Kevin Kilrane asked the defendant why he stole from the shop and he replied that he didn’t know. He then went on to apologise for the offences.

“They just don’t make sense at all,” said Mr McGovern.

Noting that some of the items were small and the defendant had gone back to the store to steal, Judge Kilrane said the defendant had caused a lot of trouble and put a lot of people to bother.

Ward was fined €250. The defendant told the court he was leaving for England soon in order to try to find work but not until after a court appearance in Tubbercurry at the end of the month.

Judge Kilrane wished him well in his endeavours to find work saying this would be good for him.

At the same court, Geoffrey McManus (34) of Langan Drive, Cranmore who admitted stealing groceries and alcohol worth €83.25 from Tesco on October 7 th 2017 was fined €250. Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending) said McManus had turned his life around and had taken chances given to him from the Circuit Court. He had given up alcohol, was back training and was a different man. “You should steer clear of alcohol,” Judge Kilrane told McManus.