Judge tells Tipperary man who stole beer he needs to work with the probation service

A judge at Nenagh District Court has told a man who stole beer from a shop where he knew the owner very well, needs to work with the probation service. 

Tony Pratt (42) of 1 Ballyvillane Halting Site, Nenagh pleaded guilty to theft, contrary to Section 4 of the  Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 on March 4, 2024. 

Acting for the prosecution, Sergeant Regina McCarthy told the court that on the day of the incident, Mr Pratt entered Kelleher’s off-licence in Borrisokane, put one pack of Heineken on the counter and paid for it.

However, he had a second with a value of €30.99 which he did not pay for before leaving the shop. 

Sgt McCarthy told the court the defendant later paid the shop owner who provided a note for the court to confirm. 

The defendant has 51 previous convictions including for theft and public order.

 Acting for the defendant, solicitor John Spencer told the court his client suffers from mental health and addiction issues.

He said his client knows the owner, has compensated him and is sorry for what he did. 

“He is quite embarrassed by what happened because he knows Mr Kelleher very well,” said Mr Spencer. 

Judge Fiona Brennan remanded the defendant on bail until December while a probation report is being prepared.

She said: “Mr Pratt needs to engage with the probation service. All the efforts you are making are clearly in need of assistance.”