A south Dublin shop worker allegedly bit a thug's finger as he tried to steal drink after hours from the off-licence.
The shop was targeted last month by the thief who entered the premises just before their 11pm closing time.
He pleaded with the worker to serve him booze despite the shutters being pulled down on the off-licence since 10pm.
When the shopkeeper refused, the brazen thug attempted to snatch cans and make a break for the door but he was stopped by the person behind the counter.
The pair then wrestled with each other as the shopkeeper attempted to take the drink back from the thug before using his teeth to leave a mark on the man.
A source told Dublin Live: "All hell broke loose. The man came in looking for drink but was told that the off-licence had been closed for nearly an hour and that the shop was soon closing too.
"He didn't accept that for an answer though and went over and took drink from under the shutter and went to run out.
"The shopkeeper wasn't going to let him get away that easily though and began to wrestle with him to retrieve the booze.
"He was losing the fight though and decided to bite the thief's fingers in an attempt to stop him from leaving with the drink.
"The shop was turned upside down during the whole thing and Gardai were called."
Dublin Live has contacted Gardai and the shop in question about the incident.
