A MAN has been given a jail sentence and a second man given a suspended sentence after they were caught shoplifting while they were drunk on one of their birthdays.

John Budgie McDonagh (42) and Owen McDonagh (48) were caught stealing shoes, a leather jacket and tools at TK Max at The Pavilions in Swords on Owen's birthday.

John Budgie of St Margaret's Park in Ballymun has been given a six-month sentence at Swords District Court after he pleaded guilty to the theft of a leather jacket and tools to the value of €87 from the store on February 11.

While Owen, of Tara Lawns, Belcamp Lane in Dublin 17 has been given a five-month suspended sentence after he pleaded guilty to the theft of shoes valued at €54.99 from the same store on the same date.

Garda Barry Connor gave evidence that both men were intoxicated at the time of the offences.

John Budgie, who is a widower with seven children, has 101 previous convictions.

'He was involved in a car accident and has a significant drink problem,' their solicitor said.

Owen, a father of 12, who has 39 previous convictions, has an alcohol problem and is on a lot of medication for depression, the court heard.

Judge Dermot Dempsey said that being intoxicated at the time of the offences was no excuse.

He convicted and sentenced Owen McDonagh to five months in prison, which he suspended for two years, while John Budgie McDonagh was told he is 'beyond probation at this stage' and was handed a six-month sentence.

He fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal.

Fingal Independent