CORK, IRELAND – Patrick O’Reilly (37), of no fixed address, has been sentenced to five months in prison, with the last three suspended, at Cork District Court for multiple alcohol thefts. Judge Mary Dorgan expressed deep disappointment over the “disrespectful” and offensive reply O’Reilly gave to a Garda upon caution for the charges.
The defendant, who pleaded guilty to thefts from shops including Lidl and Tesco, told the court the comments were made on a “bad night” and alleged a Garda had provoked him. He added that he wished to use the sentence to get sober and return to Dublin for a fresh start, noting his struggle with alcoholism following his parents’ deaths. Judge Dorgan wished him success in getting clear of alcohol and starting anew.
