Two months jail for theft

A man with serious addiction issues, who stole muffins and doughnuts from a Cavan supermarket, has been jailed for two months.

Cavan District Court heard that it would be “very difficult” for Aiden Cullen, of no fixed abode, to get to court given the scale of his addiction problem.

His barrister Joseph Smith BL, instructed by Simon Fleming Solicitors, indicated a plea on the 28-year-old defendant’s behalf after Cullen failed to appear.

Judge Raymond Finnegan was told that Cullen’s liberty was “at risk” given his 38 previous convictions, five of which relate to theft, his most recent recorded in 2023, when the defendant received a two-month suspended sentence.

“He has serious addiction issues,” reported Mr Smith; while Inspector Lionel Mullally suggested, given this experience dealing with Cullen, that the defendant would invariably be “in some court again”.

The total value of the goods stolen from Dunnes Stores on Church Street in Cavan Town by Cullen on December 2, 2025, came to €12.95.

Judge Finegan imposed a two-month prison sentence, taking into account a charge of failing to appear before a scheduled court sitting in January.

Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.