Drunk Cork man stole power washer from tool hire business and impact gun from car service firm
Court heard accused wheeled a display power-washer valued at €1,200 out of Ballincollig tool hire on the afternoon of December 18, 2024. Picture: iStock
A drunken man with extensive previous convictions for theft wheeled a €1,200 power-washer away from a premises in Ballincollig without paying for it, and now he has been jailed for seven months.
Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a sentence of nine months, with the last two months suspended, in the case against John McDonagh, of 1 Inchera Close, Mahon, Cork.
Sergeant John Kelleher said the 31-year-old wheeled a display power-washer valued at €1,200 out of Ballincollig Tool Hire on the afternoon of December 18, 2024, at Enterprise Park, Inishmore, Ballincollig.
He pleaded guilty to that offence and to another charge that he trespassed at AMG Auto Services at Inishmore, Ballincollig, on the same day and stole another power tool — an impact gun valued at €500.
Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the defendant had been imprisoned since before Christmas, serving another sentence, and this had been very difficult for him and for “his long-suffering partner” and their children.
Mr Collins-Daly said the defendant was determined to use his time in prison to commence alcohol treatment. He said many of his previous theft convictions involved stealing bottles of spirits.
The accused said he was so drunk on December 18 he did not even have a memory of being in Ballincollig committing the crimes.
John McDonagh added in court: “I was brought from the Bridewell to hospital that night.” And the reason for his transfer to hospital was because of his level of intoxication.
