Two-month sentence for theft

A man who stole sweets and an inflatable football from a retail outlet in Cootehill from which he was barred received a two-month prison sentence at Cavan District Court.

Jack Donoghue with an address at a flat on Bridge Street, Cootehill, admitted the theft at M.J.’s Mini Market, Cootehill, on April 16 last. The court heard the defendant had 16 previous convictions and is currently in custody.

A charge of contravening public order at the same premises on a separate occasion, May 2, 2026, was taken into account.

Sergeant Damien Galligan, prosecuting, said the property taken in the theft incident wasn’t recovered.

Regarding the subsequent public order offence, Sgt Galligan stated the defendant was barred from the shop but returned on this occasion and, when asked to leave, became verbally abusive towards the staff.

Dimitry Grinberg BL said that, when Donoghue is discharged from custody, he intends to return to YouthReach and finish his training. The defendant apologised for the offences and said he understood his actions were stupid.

Judge Raymond Finnegan said the defendant obviously created a nuisance of himself in this particular shop.

Mr Grinberg said he believed that at the time of the offences the defendant had “issues with tablets”.

Imposing the two-month custodial sentence, Judge Finnegan backdated it to the time when the defendant was admitted to custody on the charge. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.