Lengthy prison sentence for Limerick burglar who had taken ‘street tablets’

A LIMERICK man stole cigarettes worth €3,000 while on bail in relation to a separate burglary, a court has heard.

Mark Mulqueen, aged 56, with an address at Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick city pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary in relation to two separate incidents that took place in the city.

Dermot Ambrose, aged 43, with an address at Byrne Avenue, Prospect, Limerick city, also pleaded guilty to burglary in relation to one of these incidents.

Prosecuting Barrister John O’Sullivan BL told Limerick Circuit Court the incident involving both men occurred on May 6, 2024.
On the date in question, the pair entered the staff area of Spar, Punch’s Cross without authorisation.

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The court heard that a staff member saw shadows and when the manager of the shop went to investigate, he saw the two accused at the side door.

The men took a Samsung tablet, valued at €300, which had been left on a trolley in the staff area.

Both men were identified on CCTV footage and were later arrested. The tablet was not recovered.

While on bail in relation to that incident, Mr Mulqueen was involved in another burglary - on September 14, 2024.

On that date, he entered Bobby Byrne’s pub and shop on O’Connell Avenue without authorisation. Mr Mulqueen gained access to the premises through a side door which was left open.

The court heard he first searched the tills but found there was no cash in them.

He then proceeded into the main part of the shop and stole approximately €3000 worth of cigarettes. None of the cigarettes were recovered.

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When shown CCTV footage of the incident, the accused acknowledged it was him in the video but said he had no recollection of the events.

Barrister Yvonne Quinn BL, representing the accused, said drug addiction has been a “big feature” of her client’s life.

She added that he had no recollection of the events because he was under the influence of “street tablets” at the time.
In mitigation, she highlighted her client’s early plea of guilty and his acceptance of wrongdoing.

Ms Quinn said the accused is working to tackle his drug addiction and “appears to be doing well”.

Separately, Joseph McMahon BL, representing Mr Ambrose, said his client was willing to offer compensation for the stolen tablet.
He added that his client also has longstanding addiction issues but he is doing better in recent times.

After formally convicting Mr Ambrose, Judge Colin Daly imposed a one year prison sentence.

Mr Mulqueen also received a separate one year sentence for the burglary offence at Spar. He received a further one-and-a half year prison sentence for the burglary incident at Bobby Byrne’s.

The sentences are to be served consecutively, meaning Mr Mulqueen will serve a total sentence of two and a half years in prison.