Football youth coach jailed after not paying €59 bar bill in Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleA Dublin man who ordered drinks worth €59, before telling staff he had no money or phone, has been jailed.
Shane Murphy (35), of Gardiner Street, Dublin 1, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of theft.
Sergeant Mick Dee told the court that on February 26, gardaí responded to a report of theft from The Martello Bar on Strand Road in Bray.
The court heard Mr Murphy ordered drinks to the value of €59, but before paying his bill he told staff he had no money or phone on his person.
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“You can’t order a rake of drinks and not pay,” remarked Judge David Kennedy.
Mr Murphy has 67 previous convictions, including 19 for theft-related offences. Barrister for the accused, Ciara O’Brien, said her client has three children and has been struggling with alcohol addiction since he was 12 years old, which she described as a family issue.
She added that Mr Murphy is currently “on the pathway to rehabilitation”, with him awaiting entry into Tiglin or Coolmine.
The court heard Mr Murphy is a coach with Crumlin FC, helping out with underage teams.
Counsel offered for Mr Murphy to repay The Martello, but Judge Kennedy declined and sentenced the accused to six months’ imprisonment.