‘Panicked’ chef stole groceries after promised job in Ireland fell through
A chef who stole groceries worth over €1,800 from a supermarket “panicked” after a job he was promised in Ireland failed to materialise, a court has heard.
Boon Chong Kee (29) came from Malaysia on his own and he was taken advantage of by someone he was in fear of, his solicitor said.
Judge Stephanie Coggans ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to a date in July.
The defendant, of Boroimhe Rowan in Swords, admitted multiple counts of theft.
Garda Sergeant Michael McGreal told Balbriggan District Court that on various dates in January and February 2026, Kee stole groceries, with a total value of €1,856, from Dunnes Stores, Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords.
On one day, February 11, 2026, Kee stole seafood products valued at €337, the court was told.
The court heard Kee had no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Paul Molloy said Kee had the full compensation of €1,856 in court.
Kee was panicked, in fear and worried about supporting his family in Malaysia
Mr Molloy said Kee, who is originally from Malaysia, came to Ireland on January 21 this year with the promise of a job.
However, that job failed to materialise, and while the defendant had some money to fund himself, he was on his own, with no family and no support.
Mr Molloy said that Kee was approached by someone who claimed he could help, but he was in fear of this individual and was taken advantage of.
Kee was panicked, in fear and worried about supporting his family in Malaysia.
His mother has diabetes and his father also has health issues, and this family depends on the money he sends home each month to buy medications and food supplies, the court heard.
Mr Molloy said Kee was now doing much better. He was working as a chef and was sending money home to support his parents.
Mr Molloy asked the judge to be as lenient as possible and consider leaving Kee without a conviction, saying these incidents were completely out of character for his client, who was very apologetic for what had happened.