Sligo man with 30 previous convictions fined €200 for stealing from restaurant tip jar
The Sligo ChampionA 28-year-old man was fined €200 at Sligo District Court after stealing €15 from a restaurant’s tip jar.
Jonathan Sweeney of Caltra Crescent, Sligo was charged with stealing €15 from a tip jar at Bistro Bianconi, Tobergal Lane on July 16, 2024.
Sergeant David McDonagh told the court that at 2:10pm, gardaí received a report of a theft from the restaurant. Upon arrival, gardaí spoke to staff who told them that the defendant entered the premises and took money from the tip jar on the counter. Sweeney then bought food in the restaurant and left.
The court heard that Sweeney had 30 previous convictions, of which ten were for theft.
Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending), told Judge Ciaran Liddy that his client’s most recent conviction was over two years ago. He added that Sweeney had a very challenging background when he was growing up. Mr McGovern continued that his client had €65 in court as a gesture of good will to give to the restaurant.
Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.