20-05-2025
Shoplifter stole €2.5k of groceries in two ‘organised' thefts from Dunnes Stores
Patrick Taaffe (49) stole a combined €2,500 worth of goods in the two incidents
A shoplifter twice walked out of a supermarket with a trolley filled with more than €1,000 worth of groceries in thefts that showed an 'unusual level of organisation.'
Patrick Taaffe (49) stole a combined €2,500 worth of goods in the two incidents.
Judge Catherine Ghent said they were 'not ordinary' thefts and adjourned the case at Dublin District Court for the production of a probation report.
Taaffe, of Captain's Drive, Crumlin, pleaded guilty.
Taaffe had beaten a drug problem previously but had 'a slip' at the time, his solicitor Michael Kelleher said
Garda Ben Forde said he was called to Dunnes Stores, Ashleaf Shopping Centre, on June 28 last year and viewed CCTV. Some €1,200 worth of goods had been stolen on June 27 and €1,300 worth on June 24.
The garda identified the accused, who had 53 previous convictions.
Taaffe had beaten a drug problem previously but had 'a slip' at the time, his solicitor Michael Kelleher said,
Judge Ghent said it was unusual for such large and similar amounts of goods to be taken within days of each other and it seemed more 'organised' than the usual shoplifting.
Mr Kelleher said it was reckless to walk out of a shop with such a large trolley of goods and Taaffe took a huge chance of getting caught.
Dublin court. Stock image
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