Man pleads guilty to theft after 'tapping' debit card in shops across Limerick

A MAN has pleaded guilty to 20 counts of theft after he tapped a debit card without authorisation in various shops and businesses across Limerick city.

Jose Filho, aged 29, with an address at Heritage Close, Belview Gardens, Ennis Road, Limerick city appeared before Limerick District Court where he admitted the offences, which are contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

Prosecuting Garda Sergeant Denis Waters told the court that the accused had tapped the card without authorisation to purchase goods with a total value of €440.69.

The offences, he said, took place across various dates and locations in September of last year.

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On seven different occasions, Mr Filho tapped the card at Centra Monaleen, Newtown, Limerick, to a total value of €249.60.

Meanwhile, €49.65 was spent in McDonald’s Castletroy across two separate visits.

Other locations where the card was tapped include Garvey’s SuperValu in Corbally, Circle K in Caherdavin and Fine Wines in Castletroy.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing the accused, said her client would need some time to pay the money back.

Judge Patricia Harney remanded Mr Filho on bail to pay the compensation.