Lithuanian had 25 theft convictions

Monday, 01 November 2010 16:40

A Galway man has been given until December 1 next to pay back €70 that he stole from Noel's Barber Shop in Claremorris. Arunas Sorokinas, Woodquay Hostel, Galway, pleaded guilty to the theft when he appeared before Judge Mary Devins at Castlebar District Court. It was revealed that Sorokinas, from Lithuania originally, has accrued 25 convictions for theft in his two and a half years in Ireland.
Garda Donal Raftery told the court that his colleague, Garda David Brandley, had been informed of the theft in Claremorris at 12.30 p.m. on July 22 last. While investigating the matter, a call was made to Claremorris Garda Station about a man in an intoxicated state at James Street, Claremorris.
Witness said the drunken man was arrested and he had earlier taken the money from the barbershop. The property was not recovered, however.
Ms. Alma Whelan, solicitor, said her 42-year-old client suffered from a severe alcohol problem and recently suffered a stroke as a result of his condition. Upon release from hospital after the stroke he went to Cuan Mhuire for treatment for his alcoholism.
Ms. Whelan said Sorokinas was in Claremorris looking for work at the time but had spent all his money by the day in question and was sleeping rough.
Judge Mary Devins remanded the defendant on continuing bail to Castlebar court on December 1 so that he can repay the money he stole. She said if he makes the repayment she will deal with him in a certain way.