Courts / Dublin / Report
M&S worker who stole €25k from shop floor was driving new BMW
Summary
John Downes, 56, worked for Marks and Spencer in Dundrum from November 2014. Between 26 April and 7 July 2016 he stole €24,650 in cash from 54 cash registers, carrying the money in his pockets and sock. Security footage caught him moving bills into his pocket and later into his sock. When confronted he denied theft until he produced €650 in notes. Downes admitted the thefts, citing debt from a failed printing business and a broken marriage. He was suspended on full pay pending investigation. Gardaí found he drove a leased BMW (registration 152) and had €950 in his bedroom that he admitted came from the store. He has two minor road‑traffic convictions. Downes is now employed by a packaging sales company, which has loaned him money to repay Marks and Spencer. He has apologized, expressed remorse, and is repaying his former employer from his salary. John Downes pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: M&S worker who stole €25k from shop floor was driving new BMW. Charges or matters: five counts of stealing cash from Marks and Spencer, Dundrum Shopping Centre, Dublin, between April 26 and July 7, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 26 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 7, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-01-30 Publication
Why: Because he had been self-employed, he had trouble accessing social welfare support. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: five counts of stealing cash from Marks and Spencer, Dundrum Shopping Centre, Dublin, between April 26 and July 7, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He will be sentenced on March 23.; She adjourned the matter to get a letter from the employer in relation to this arrangement.
Places mentioned
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