Man caught shoplifting in Longford was ‘trying to impress new girlfriend’

A man who stole items from a supermarket valued at over €100, has received a one-month suspended prison sentence.

Owen Maughan of Ballindrimney, Castlerea pleaded guilty at Longford district court to one count of theft on January 8, 2025 at Aldi, Athlone Road, Longford.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí received a complaint that a man had entered the supermarket and he was observed stealing several goods.

"He was observed on CCTV taking items from the grocery section to the value of €107 and he left without attempting to pay.

"Gardaí found a man, who was known to them, matching the description at Longford Train Station, the male saw Gardaí and he said, 'I'm sorry'.

"Gardaí cautioned him and he stated he had come from Aldi after stealing items and they were in his suitcase."

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Sgt Mahon said Mr Maughan was cooperative and he handed the goods back to officers and they were in a saleable condition.

The defendant had 31 previous convictions, including six for theft.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said Mr Maughan, a separated father of four children, admitted his guilt immediately to Gardaí.

"I think it was a Saturday evening and he was trying to impress a new girlfriend in Dublin and he was supposed to be on his way there.

"I don't know how well that started but at any rate that was the situation.

"He apologises Judge, he has certain difficulties as you can see. I am hoping he will retain his freedom in circumstances where his last theft was in 2022 and everything was recovered," Ms Mimnagh concluded.

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Judge Peter White noted the defendant's guilty plea and remorse but he also said he 'could not disregard' his previous convictions for theft and fraud offences.

The court heard Mr Maughan had been given the benefit of a suspended sentence in September 2022.

Judge White said he was willing to give him another opportunity but he would need to stay out of trouble.

He convicted Mr Maughan and imposed a one month prison sentence, which he suspended for 12 months.

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