Judge refuses jurisdiction in case of Limerick man facing multiple theft charges

A JUDGE has refused jurisdiction in the case of a Limerick man who is accused of stealing more than €6,500 worth of goods.

John O’Donoghue, aged 39, of Lee Estate, Island Road, Limerick city, appeared before Limerick District Court charged with 35 counts of theft and one count of attempted theft under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

The thefts are alleged to have taken place in various locations across Limerick and Clare in 2025.

Prosecuting Garda Sergeant Denis Waters told the court that the one charge of attempted theft is connected with three of the theft counts.

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It is alleged that Mr O’Donoghue tapped a debit card without authorisation on three different occasions in order to steal a handbag, wallet and iPad.

He said on June 8, 2025, a transaction was declined when the accused allegedly attempted to tap the card at Spar, Catherine Street in Limerick city centre.

A number of other incidents are also alleged to have taken place later that year.

Mr O’Donoghue is charged with theft arising from an incident that took place at Applegreen, Corbally, County Clare on July 5.

Meanwhile, on August 29, the accused allegedly stole €153 worth of steaks from Northtown Shopping Centre, Ennis Road, Limerick city.

In total, Mr O’Donoghue is accused of stealing goods worth €6588.56, only €200 of which has been recovered.

After hearing details of the alleged facts, Judge Carol Ann Coolican refused jurisdiction, citing the volume of charges and the value of the goods.

Noting this, Sgt Waters said he would have to revert to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

If the matter is to proceed on indictment before the circuit court, Mr O'Donoghue faces a maximum sentence of ten years' imprisonment, if convicted.