Former heroin addict broke into shop and stole vodka
A MAN with 71 previous convictions who moved out of Dublin to Millstreet "to straighten his life out" this week pleaded guilty to smashing the glass of a shop in Millstreet and entering the premises and taking four bottles of vodka.
At Mallow District court, Judge Olann Kelleher sentenced Mark Purcell to six months in prison for breaking into The Centra Shop, West End, Millstreet on March 7, 2011.
Inspector Senan Ryan said at 1.05am glass was smashed at the shop and the defendant had gained entry. Mr Purcell who gave an address of 3 Park View, Millstreet when arrested by Millstreet Gardai and when questioned admitted the offence.
Inspector Ryan said Mr Purcell had 71 previous convictions of which eight were for theft. Judge Kelleher asked when was the most recent offence for the defendant and Insp Ryan said on January 4, 2011 he had two public order offences. And in October, 2010 at a sitting of Kanturk Circuit court, he received eight months for theft.
Solicitor Charlie O'connor said his 40 year old client, when sober, is "a very presentable fellow and law abiding".
He said that Mr Purcell had been a heroin addict and had completed a methadone programme and he was now also off methadone. Mr O'connor said the last time Judge James Mcnulty saw Mr Purcell he commented that he looked very well.
