DRINK RUN | 

Musician (46) left shop with trolley full of booze as pal distracted staff

Sergeant Derek Butler told the court the total value of the alcohol was €109.90.

Sligo Champion

Today at 09:01

A 46 year old man before Sligo District Court charged with theft of alcohol from a store, left with a trolley full while a second male distracted staff, the court heard.

Alan Roberts of Maryville Hostel, Finisklin, Sligo was charged with stealing one bottle of eight year old whiskey, a 15 pack of lager, eight pack of Bulmers, 70cl bottle of James and a 70cl bottle of Smirnoff Vodka from Aldi, Cranmore Road, Sligo on September 11th 2023.

Sergeant Derek Butler told the court the total value of the alcohol was €109.90.

He said gardaí were notified on September 12th about a theft of alcohol the evening before.

The manager said two males had entered the shop.

One of the males, the defendant, went to the alcohol aisle and brought a trolley of alcohol from the shop.

The second male didn’t take anything but he distracted staff by saying a person had fallen at the back of the shop as the defendant pushed the trolley out the door.

The defendant later then went in to Garda David Finnerty in the Garda station voluntarily to make a cautionary statement, the court heard.

Sgt Butler said the defendant made full admissions and was co-operative with gardaí.

He had one previous conviction for Public Order.

Defending solicitor Mr Tom MacSharry said that as always, the sergeant had been very fair in outlining the evidence.

He said his client has a very serious alcohol addiction.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was going to ask due to the nature of the items.

Mr MacSharry said his client is living in sheltered accommodation. He is a very talented musician and did apologise.

He was eager to have full compensation but unfortunately doesn’t have it at the moment.

Judge Cunningham said given his difficulties if it would be worth engaging with the Probation Services and the defendant agreed to do so.

The judge adjourned for the completion of a Probation Report.

Mr MacSharry said he was most grateful.