This article is from page 14 of the 2012-11-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A MAN told gardaí that he had no memory of stealing a woman’s handbag from a pub in Ennis a court has heard.
Norman Hogan (50), with an address at 40 Fergus Park, Ennis stole the handbag from Lucas’ Bar, Parnell, Street, Ennis on July 8 (2011).
He pleaded guilty to the theft at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the accused “opportunistically” took the bag from the pub. The bag contained a digital camera, a mobile phone and € 60. Insp Kennedy said Mr Hogan removed the contents before discarding the bag.
CCTV was used to identify Mr Hogan who later told gardai that he had very little memory of the incident. The contents of the bag were not recovered.
Defence solicitor Siobhan McMahon said her client had a serious addiction to alcohol.
She said this particular type of offence was the “not the norm for Mr Hogan.”
She told the court that Mr Hogan was with his partner on the night and may have picked up the handbag thinking it was hers.
Ms McMahon added, “He cannot recall the situation. He was drinking vodka straight.”
She said Mr Hogan is now taking steps to deal with his alcoholism. Ms McMahon added, “I would urge you to give him this last chance.”
Mr Hogan also pleaded guilty to the theft of groceries valued at € 38 from Tescos in Ennis on July 27 (2012).
Judge Aeneas McCarthy imposed a nine month suspended sentence in respect of the theft of the lady’s handbag.
He imposed a three-month consecutive suspended sentence in respect of the Tesco’s theft. He also ordered Mr Hogan to be of good behaviour for a period of two years.
Judge McCarthy warned Mr Hogan that any further offence would not be tolerated by the court.
Addressing Ms McMahon, the judge said, “Advise your client of the consequences of coming back before me.”