An Armagh man with a “horrendous record” has been given a chance to address his alcoholism by being handed a conditional discharge.
The 25-year-old’s solicitor told court that the defendant’s mother was willing to let him return to the family home and that he had been accepted for an alcohol mentoring scheme.
Glenn Ethan Flynn, of Mullacreevie Park, pleaded guilty to theft at the City’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, after appearing via videolink from Maghaberry.
It was heard that on October 22 staff at Emerson’s supermarket in the city centre, made a report to police of a theft.
Officers spoke to the manager of the store who stated they had seen the defendant, who was known to them, come into the store and lift a bottle of cider without paying.
Flynn was found by police on Lonsdale Road at around 11.40pm that evening.
During interview, the defendant made full admissions to the theft.
It was heard that the estimated value of the goods taken was £16.97.
Defence solicitor Jarlath Fields informed the court that this offence took place just six days after Flynn was issued with a three-month suspended sentence at Newry courthouse.
Mr Fields stated: “Mr Flynn is no stranger to this court, he has amassed a horrendous record, much of which is attributed to his abuse of alcohol”.
He added: “His mother has now left the opportunity open for Flynn to return to his family home and she has also been in touch with an alcohol mentoring scheme in Fermanagh”.
Mr Fields commented that previously a residential had been the preferred way forward, but this was not possible.
It was heard that the defendant had been in custody since the arrest.
District Judge Paul Copeland stated: “I am going to make no order on the suspended sentence, even though this is a breach, it happened so soon after it was imposed,.
“Given the time you have served in prison I feel it would be disproportionate to sentence you to more”.
Judge Copeland urged the defendant to “seize the opportunity” which he had before him.
Flynn was handed a conditional discharge for 12 months.
