Shoplifter who used suitcase at Tesco in Tullamore appears in court

A Cork man stole a number of items from a supermarket in Tullamore using a suitcase, last week's sitting of Tullamore District Court was told.

Michael Mullane, with an address at Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, was charged with stealing two toothbrushes, two mobile phones, and food items worth €632.91, on August 29 last from Tesco, Cloncollig.

Mullane, 32, pleaded guilty to the offence. Sergeant Brendan Kearns told the court that Mullane “brought a suitcase into the supermarket and filled it with a number of items, none of which were recovered.” The sergeant said the defendant had two previous convictions, for minor road offences.

The defending solicitor Patrick Martin pointed out that his client's relationship had broken down at the time and he hadn't been able to see his children. He also had addiction issues when the crime happened. “His addiction issues have now been addressed.”

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Judge Andrew Cody asked the solicitor what his client had been doing in Tullamore on the 29th of August. Mr Martin said he was visiting a relative.

“What did he need two electric toothbrushes for?” asked the Judge. “How many sets of teeth does he have? And if he wasn't able to see his children at the time why did he need to steal baby food?”

Mr Martin said his client was now unemployed but had been a self-employed tree surgeon.

“His business collapsed following his relationship break-up.”

The judge remanded him on continuing bail to May 7 next and asked that Tesco be compensated in full by that date.

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