Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for M&S worker who stole €25k from shop floor
Summary
John Downes, a 56‑year‑old Marks and Spencer employee, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended after pleading guilty to five counts of stealing cash from the Dundrum branch between April and July 2016. He stole a total of €24,650 over 54 separate occasions, taking the money from the till and transferring it to his pocket and later to his sock. Garda Michael Lynch reported that Downes had been working for the company since November 2014 and that he had been suspended on full pay pending investigation. During the investigation, €950 in cash was found in his bedroom, and Downes admitted the theft. He cited financial hardship caused by the breakdown of his marriage and the closure of his printing business. Downes expressed remorse, repaid the money to the store, and the judge noted his cooperation and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for M&S worker who stole €25k from shop floor. Charges or matters: five counts of stealing cash from the store's Dundrum branch between April and July 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2014 Other
- July 7, 2016 Other
- March 23rd Adjournment
- 2018-06-18 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 the store's Dundrum branch between April and July 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martina Baxter sentenced Downes to two years' imprisonment with final 18 months suspended, provided he keep the peace and be of good behaviour on his release. The sentence was backdated to March 23rd of this year when Downes was first remanded into custody.; The sentence was backdated to March 23rd of this year when Downes was first remanded into custody.
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