Judge orders Dublin men to ‘stay out of Kerry’ after arrest for alleged handling 17 stolen mobile phones
The KerrymanA Kerry judge ordered two Dublin residents to “stay out of Kerry” while on bail for the alleged possession of 17 stolen mobile phones.
Octavian Donciu (39) of 3 Glebe House, The Lawns, Finglas, Dublin 13 and Catalin Petu (35) of 15 Knock Riada, Chapelizod, Dublin 20 were both charged with 17 counts of handling stolen property “knowing that the property was stolen or were reckless as to whether it was stolen” at Friary Downs on December 13, 2025.
Judge David Waters ordered the pair to “stay out of Kerry” when they appeared in custody at Tralee District Court.
Gardaí on patrol stopped a vehicle in the Friary Downs area on Saturday evening and discovered a number of phones. The court heard the pair were arrested on December 14 at half past midnight. A garda testified that Mr Octavian was cautioned after each of the 17 charges and replied to the last charge, “I didn’t know it was stolen.”
Mr Petu replied to the last two charges, saying, “I did not steal from these people” and “You’ll find it in the car, this. I did not know if it was stolen or not stolen”.
Directions from the Department of Public Prosecutions are not yet available. Sergeant Chris Manton said, “quite potentially there could be further charges”.
The judge asked if the thefts appeared organised. “That is the State’s belief at this time,” said Sgt Manton.
The judge refused jurisdiction. “Penalties of the district court would not be sufficient for this,” he said.
The pair were represented by solicitor Padraig O’Connell.
Conditions for bail had been agreed. The accused are to sign on every Saturday at the Finglas Garda Station between 9am and 9pm, provide a mobile number and notify gardaí of any chance of address.
“And stay out of County Kerry except for bona fide court appearances and legal appointments,” said the judge.
The case is adjourned to January 6 for the book of evidence.