Man who stole wine and did not pay for dinner was in depths of addiction

A man who stole wine from Aldi and ate a steak dinner without paying was driven by need and addiction rather than ‘a wanton disregard for the law,’ a court has heard. 

James Clancy, 33, was before Donegal District Court on Monday. He is charged that on April 21, 2024 at Aldi Supermarket, Donegal Town, he stole two bottles of white wine to the value of €21.88, property of Renatta Liubertieme, Aldi, Donegal Town. The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

His address was listed on the charge sheet as NFA (no fixed abode).

The defendant is further charged that on April 27, 2024, he obtained ‘a substantial sirloin steak meal’ to the value of €28.95 from the Central Hotel, Donegal Town, and made off without paying. The offence is Contrary to Section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Clancy’s address is listed on the second charge sheet as Fairgreen Hostel, Fairgreen, Galway.

The defendant pleaded guilty to both charges and elected for the matter to be dealt with in the district court rather than the circuit court. 

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that the wine stolen from Aldi was subsequently recovered.

In regard to the steak dinner at the Central Hotel, the inspector said: “Management noticed a male had taken a meal at the restaurant and left without paying. They approached him. He said he would have paid but did not have any money. 

“The defendant was spoken to by gardaí. He was cooperative and made a full admission.”

The court heard that the defendant had five previous convictions, including two for theft. 

Solicitor Frank Murphy told the court that his client had been homeless for four years, and had an alcohol addiction since he was 12 years of age. 

“These were crimes of need and addiction rather than a wanton disregard for the law,” said Mr Murphy. 

“He gets withdrawal symptoms and goes into seizures when he stops drinking.

“It seems this man has lost his way in life and the addiction has taken over.”

The solicitor said his client had managed to secure a place in a hostel and was attending psychiatric services .

“He is very contrite,” said Mr Murphy.

Judge Sandra Murphy said she would adjourn the matter to allow the defendant to engage with the probation services.

“Obviously these are serious offences but I am also hearing that they are crimes of need,” she said. 

“I would like the probation services to get involved.”

The matter was adjourned to January 27 for a probation report and finalisation.