‘Naked thief’ creates mayhem in cells over snack box

A ‘naked thief’ created mayhem in holding cells at a courthouse yesterday after prison officers brought him chicken nuggets instead of a snack box for lunch.

At Ennis Circuit Court yesterday morning, Eddie O’Sullivan, aged 24, first appeared naked in court apart from blue and white striped boxer shorts and grey socks.

Representing himself, O’Sullivan’s appearance was delayed after a prison officer told Judge Carroll Moran that O’Sullivan had taken off all his clothes and was now naked in the holding cell below court.

Judge Moran said he could be brought up to court naked. “We are all grown-ups here and photography is forbidden in the courtroom,” said the judge.

Judge Moran adjourned O’Sullivan’s case to yesterday afternoon and told him “put some clothes on”.

However, before court commenced after lunch, loud banging, going on for a number of minutes, could be heard from the holding cells.

Mr O’Sullivan was brought back before the court and was fully clothed.

Judge Moran asked him: “Why were you making so much noise downstairs?”

O’Sullivan said: “I asked for a snack box for my lunch and the prison officers brought me back wedges and three chicken nuggets.

“I’m sorry judge, I have apologised to all of the prison officers.”

O’Sullivan, with addresses at Parkview Apartments, Limerick, and John St, Limerick, pleaded guilty to stealing a wallet containing €36 from a disabled man at Newbridge Rd, Ennis, last August.

O’Sullivan said he did not threaten the man and only took the wallet from his pocket without the man knowing.

Garda Cyril Paige said O’Sullivan is a habitual criminal and has 122 previous convictions.

O’Sullivan intervened to say that none were for violence.

Judge Moran adjourned the case to September to Ennis Circuit Court to allow for a probation and psychiatric report.