Local man pleads guilty to stealing alcohol from Spar in Kinlough

Brian Ward, 26 Oakgrove, Kinlough was charged with the theft of a bottle of rum and a bottle of vodka worth approximately €59 at Spar, Main St, Kinlough on December 13, 2021.

The case came before Judge John Aylmer in Carrick-on-Shannon Circuit Court last Wednesday, March 8.
Garda Bernard Kenny from Kinlough Garda Station said Mr Ward and a member of his family entered the shop owned by Noel McGowan on the above date. He placed the two bottles of alcohol in a bag and handed them to the family member. They then both left the shop without paying. They were followed by staff but refused to return. It was all captured on CCTV and Mr McGowan identified both parties.

The next day, December 14, 2021 Gardai interviewed the defendant but nothing of evidential value was obtained.
The court heard the defendant had 107 previous convictions, 25 of which were for theft.
Barrister Eoin McGovern told the court Mr Ward who is 36-years-old has ten children and lives with his wife and family in Boyle, Co Roscommon. Three of Mr Ward’s children have a blood disorder and one child has cerebral palsy. He also said his client is on a waiting list for alcohol rehab. He explained his client who served a prison sentence for road traffic offences was released in February 2021 and remained clean and sober for 15 months before relapsing.

The court was informed Mr Ward has a matter in Letterkenny Circuit Court next week and has recently completed a Probation Service assessment. Judge John Aylmer adjourned this matter into Letterkenny Circuit Court so all offences could be dealt with together.
Mr Ward had €100 compensation in court for Mr McGowan, owner of Kinlough’s Spar store.