Kerryman's long conviction list stems from alcohol issues after six members of family killed in crash, court told

Mr O’Brien is a big man, and the judge commented that while he is not a violent man, he may well be intimidating, particularly for young female staff when he takes something from a shop. Picture: Larry Cummins.

    Liam Heylin A total of 609 criminal convictions have been clocked up by a 55-year-old Kerryman and now he has been given another batch for a litany of offences in Cork, including stealing kegs of beer and cider and bottles of Prosecco.

The number of convictions for Richard O’Brien of no fixed address, who is from Killarney, as of now stands at 624 counts.

Stephen Cotter solicitor said of the 55-year-old:

“He has a crippling addiction to alcohol. Obviously, when someone comes before the court with over 600 convictions, it paints a picture. Although there is a pattern of offending we should not write him off.”