Homeless Offaly man who stole drink asked prison not to release him

'I didn't want to leave' says 30-year-old who was told he'd be let out a day after receiving backdated jail sentence

Published 22nd Sep 2026, 13:30 BST Man appeared before Tullamore District Court by video link from prison | Tribune Pictures 'I didn't want to leave' says 30-year-old who was told he'd be let out a day after receiving backdated jail sentence A HOMELESS Tullamore man who was given temporary release from prison despite asking to be kept in custody said he stole alcohol so that he would be returned to jail.

When he appeared before Tullamore District Court by video link from prison, Stephen Bracken (30), admitted thefts of alcohol from Dolan's, Tullamore and another supermarket.

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Mr Bracken explained that he had been sentenced at Tullamore District Court on September 9 and the following day he was put forward for temporary release.

Next phase of major new housing development in Tullamore to be launched He said he spoke to the prison governor and told him: “I've no clothes, I've nowhere to go, there's nothing set up for me.”

Mr Bracken was released and returned to Tullamore. “When I was released I didn't know what else to do so I broke my TR (temporary release) to come back in and I apologise for doing what I done, taking the bottles of drink.”

He said he wanted things “set up” for him when he was next released from prison so he would have a “fighting chance”.

Mr Bracken's solicitor, Aisling Maloney, said the court was aware of her client's difficulties and especially his biggest concern, which was homelessness.

“He's crying out for help in respect of accommodation,” said Ms Maloney.

Judge Andrew Cody remarked to Mr Bracken that he was “back quicker” before the court than he expected but said he hoped the man would get the “fighting chance” on his release.

He imposed two consecutive three-month sentences for the latest thefts and noted that when he was given temporary release he was on bail on other matters.

The court was also told the new convictions could trigger the imposition of previously suspended sentences and Judge Cody said that matter would be considered this week, September 23.

Tullamore manager gave his “blessing” to all players taking step up On September 9, when Mr Bracken was before the court in relation to more than 20 charges of theft from retailers, mostly involving alcohol, Judge Cody was told he had over 100 previous convictions.

Ms Maloney said he was “stuck between a rock and a hard place” because while he's in prison he cannot seek accommodation to stay in when he is released.

Mr Bracken stole alcohol on 12 different occasions between November 22 last year and July 22 this year from stores in Tullamore and Clara .

Ms Maloney said her client was trying to manage his withdrawal from alcohol and he feared that he could get fatal seizures if he stopped too quickly. He now had a desire to address his alcohol addiction but there was a waiting list for treatment in the Midlands.

Mr Bracken told the judge he was off heroin and no longer smoked crack.

“That's a colossal achievement that you're entitled to be proud of,” said Judge Cody. “You're actually a decent fellow behind it all, and I know that.”

He added: “If I let you out you'll be back on the train, you'll be back in some off-licence somewhere and you'll be back to me again next week.” When he was released in July he was quickly back before the court and looked “battered and blue”. “The same thing is going to happen again unless you have somewhere stable to stay.”

Mr Bracken said on that occasion he was only thinking of his next drink and his travel pass and mobile phone had been stolen because he was on the streets.

He was sentenced to three months in prison, back dated to July 23, and was then given temporary release. In addition to the appearance by video link this week, Mr Bracken is due to appear in court again on November 18 on other charges.