Longford man says: ‘I was off my head when I went in that place’

A Longford man has admitted to being “off my head” when stealing a jacket from a local men’s clothes store, a court heard last week.

Jonathan Seagrave (49), 28 Templemichael Glebe, Longford, pleaded guilty to taking black men’s bomber jacket from Spirit Clothing, Main Street, Longford on August 2, 2022.
Mr Seagrave, who was represented by local solicitor Diarmaid Quinn, opted to address the court personally, saying; “I was off my head when I went in that place”.

The accused, who also has a charge sheet address of 6 Garvey’s Close, Longford similarly pleaded guilty to the theft of a bottle of wine from SuperValu, Hazelwood Shopping Centre, Lanesboro Road, Longford on September 10, 2022.

The court was further informed there were additional charges including an alleged assault as well as obstructing two gardaí during an incident on May 29 last year.

The alleged incident, Sgt Enda Daly, said culminated in an injury being inflicted on a male officer’s knee, revealing however that a medical report has still to be signed off on.
Judge Owens questioned why the compilation of such a report was taking so long and indicated she would be marking the case as “time passing” ahead of dealing with jurisdiction on the next occasion.
As Judge Owens adjourned affairs until January 24 next, Mr Seagrave intimated he wished to address the court by way of mitigation.

“We don’t know yet what you are defending,” Judge Owens replied.
“We have to make a decision to see if the case remains in this court or the Circuit Court.”
Mr Seagrave said he could be in difficulty himself in terms of attending court when it returns later this month.

“The thing is, I might be heading off out of the country in a few weeks' time,” he said.
Judge Owens replied and asked Mr Seagrave if he was cognisant of his existing bail obligations which required him to sign on three times a week.
Mr Seagrave said he did with the proceedings scheduled to return back before Judge Owens on January 24, 2023.