Prisoner accused of stealing €399 suit from Cork shop left prison release form behind, court told
Accused was on temporary release from Cork Prison, court told. Picture Dan Linehan
A 48-year-old man tried on a €399 suit at Mick Murphy’s Menswear on North Main Street in Cork and left his old clothes in a bundle behind him without paying for the suit, and his temporary release form from Cork Prison was later found with the clothes abandoned at the shop.
This was the allegation made by Garda Ronan O’Sullivan at Cork District Court where there was an objection to bail being granted to Gerry Foley, of no fixed address and Grenville Place, Cork.
The suit was allegedly stolen on Thursday, December 5, and the temporary release form found in his bundle of clothes at Mick Murphy’s was issued on December 3 to last until January 6, as part of what was termed “pre-release and re-socialisation”.
Other conditions required him to be of good behaviour and commit no offences.
Garda O’Sullivan said Jerry Foley tried on the suit at Mick Murphy’s on December 5 and stole €238 worth of clothing from TK Maxx on Cornmarket Street, Cork, both on December 5.
Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said unlike some temporary release from prison there was no requirement on Mr Foley to sign on at intervals at the prison.
He called the accused to give evidence in the course of the bail application, putting it to him gardaí were concerned he would steal goods and not turn up in court if given bail.
Mr Foley replied: “I will not get into difficulties. I would agree with any terms — sign on, curfew, stay out of all shops.”
Judge Mary Dorgan said: “This gentleman was left out on temporary release on December 3. On December 5, he allegedly stole €238 worth of clothing and a €400 suit from Mick Murphy’s and it was there that the temporary release form was found.”
While noting the December 5 charges and other shoplifting related to Homesense on Grand Parade on three earlier occasions, were all allegations. Judge Dorgan said: “Unfortunately, he was left out on temporary release on condition that he would be of good behaviour.”
Judge Dorgan remanded him in custody until December 12.
