Shoplifter opts for prison rather than repaying money owed to supermarket

A 48-YEAR-OLD shoplifter, who was given a choice to pay money back to a supermarket in Monaghan or go to prison, opted for the jail sentence when the matter came before a recent sitting of Monaghan District Court.

Dzhemal Abdi, of Russian nationality, and with an address at Belgium Park, Monaghan Town, admitted stealing beer and food from Fleming’s SuperValu in the town on February 13 last.

Sergeant Lisa McEntee said management at the store had reported that a man entered the shop and took eight cans of Carlsberg, along with some food items, worth €42.25 in total, before leaving without making any payment. None of the items were recovered.

Abdi was seen in the shop again on the following day and was detained and charged by gardaí. He had no previous convictions, the sergeant confirmed. Roisin Courtney, solicitor, said the defendant had been advised by her colleague, Paul Boyce, to bring money to court to make good the shop’s loss. But he had no money with him, unfortunately.

Judge Gerry Jones said the defendant could pay the money back or go to Mountjoy Prison. Upon being told that he “seems to prefer Mountjoy”, the judge duly imposed a 14-day prison term.