Martin ran from Tesco after stealing two bottles of wine.
A topless shoplifter told Gardai he was out jogging after he lost his coat and shirt during a scuffle with a supermarket security guard.
Paul Martin appeared at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal charged with stealing two bottles of wine.
Garda Inspector Michael Harrison revealed how 29 year old Martin was shopping in Tesco in Letterkenny on November 28th last.
He bought some Christmas decorations which he paid for but failed to pay for two bottles of white wine.
He was approached by a security guard but dropped the wine and ran out of the shopping centre.
The security guard gave chase but Martin managed to get away but lost his coat and t-shirt during the scuffle.
Bare-chested Martin was then spotted by Gardai whom he told he was jogging.
Gardai were contacted by security staff at the store at Martin, of 72 Forge Avenue, Ballintra, was arrested at 9.50pm.
Martin, a trainee chef who works part-time in a hotel, told the court that he was battling with alcohol.
“I didn’t see my son for his birthday and I went back on the demon drink,” he said.
His solicitor Patsy Gallagher said there had been no less to the supermarket as the wine had been recovered and his client was doing his best to stay off the drink.
Judge Paul Kelly applied the probation act but warned Martin “You’d better watch yourself and you may not find it as easy if you’re here the next time.”