A LIMERICK gambling addict pretended to be working with Virgin Media television to deceive Apple into lending him three iPhones on the pretext of demonstrating their uses on a television programme.
53-year-old Patrick Sheedy of Cliona Park, Moyross, appeared before Cork District Court last week when he admitted stealing three phones valued at €2,869 from Apple Computers, Hollyhill, Cork.
Sergeant John Kelleher told Judge Olann Kelleher that Sheedy called to Apple’s offices on August 7, 2020 and asked for the phones claiming he would use them in a television demonstration.
In September 2020, Apple requested the return of the phones and arranged for collection. Sheedy failed to return the three phones.
“He made full admissions. The stolen property will not be recovered as the phones were sold to fund a gambling addiction.”
Sgt Kelleher added that Sheedy has 94 previous convictions, including 37 for deception, 21 for theft and six for obtaining services by deception. He is currently serving a sentence at Portlaoise Prison.
Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said the accused was unemployed since 2015.
“He never had a drink or drugs issue but he has a severe gambling addiction. He was gambling on a daily basis. He has got help for that while in custody.
“He has also been awarded for his short story writing at Listowel Writers’ Week in 2021 and again this year. One of his stories is called “Back From the Edge,” Mr Burke added.
Judge Kelleher remarked that the title was quite appropriate and imposed a ten month jail term.
