On February 22, pensioner Rudolf Šimo visited a grocery store in Bratislava, stealing and eating three grapes worth €0.10, before being apprehended by security on his way out. Šimo caused no damage to the grape producer.
However, due to having a history of probationary sentences in April 2013 for theft and another for a similar crime perpetrated within 12 months, under the 'three strikes and you're out' rule, the man was sent to jail. The incarceration of the man will cost Slovak taxpayers approximately €7,000. “This is all a consequence of changes introduced to the Penal Code by former justice minister Daniel Lipšic. The judge had no option but to find the accused guilty and sentence him”, TASR learnt from a lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous.
