Wine thief gets extra time to pay over compo
A MAN who stole wine from a supermarket has been given two months to raise compensation.
Paul Dennis (40) admitted stealing five bottles of wine valued at €62 from SuperValu on Drogheda Street in Balbriggan on February 23.
Sergeant Tony Tighe told Balbriggan District Court that Dennis walked into the supermarket, picked up the bottles of wine and left without paying for them.
He said the theft was recorded on CCTV and when Dennis went back into the supermarket three weeks later, he was recognised and arrested by gardai. The wine was not recovered. The court heard Dennis has seven previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy said the 40-year-old had medical difficulties, which was why he was getting into trouble.
"He has learned his lesson and doesn't want to be in and out of court," said Ms D'Arcy, adding that Dennis was not mixing his medication with alcohol any more.
Ms D'Arcy said although Dennis - of Stapolin Lawns in Baldoyle - was supposed to have the money with him in court last Thursday, she asked Judge Conal Gibbons if he could have further time as he was on disability benefit. Judge Gibbons adjourned the case for full compensation to be paid on September 3.