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Serial thief gets 15 months for stealing €2

Summary

Michael McDonagh, 58, of Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to stealing a handbag containing €2 from a 78‑year‑old woman outside an Applegreen service station in Dublin 8 on 9 November 2020. The victim, who had been on her way home after a doctor's appointment, was shocked and unable to give a statement. CCTV and a description of two men led to McDonagh's arrest minutes later. He was intoxicated at the time of arrest and had been a chronic alcoholic, but his lawyer said he had since undergone treatment and was now a "changed man". McDonagh had 83 prior convictions and had been homeless for 10–15 years. Judge Martin Nolan noted his remorse and the absence of violence, yet sentenced him to 15 months in prison, citing his long history of offending and homelessness. The court did not accept the claim that he had been provided housing or support workers at the time of the offence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Serial thief gets 15 months for stealing €2. Charges or matters: one count of theft outside an Applegreen service station in the Dublin 8 area on November 9, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 9, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-02-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report