Juvenile arrested following theft of personal item from patient at Limerick hospital

GARDAÍ have confirmed they are investigating the theft of a personal item from a patient at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

The incident is said to have taken place in the Dooradoyle-based hospital earlier this week and the item has been confirmed by the injured party to be a mobile phone.

It has been confirmed by a garda spokesperson that a young male was apprehended and detained following the theft.

In a statement, they said: "One male youth aged in his teens was arrested in relation to this incident and has since been released pending referral to the Youth Diversion Programme."

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Limerick Live spoke to the injured party about what happened and they said such incidents "should not be happening."

They added: "I was so traumatised, shocked and upset - I couldn’t stop crying and didn’t feel safe."

Having allegedly confronted the assailant, the mobile phone was returned to the individual. The injured party added, "I don't know how I even had the courage to confront him."

"I do not want it to happen to some poor old lady that wouldn't be able to chase after him," they continued. "It's not right".

UHL has been contacted for comment.