Man admits twice burgling Cork electronics shop and stealing goods worth a total of €31k

Accused stole €17,000 worth of phones, tablets and smartwatches the first time and €14,000 worth of similar products the second time

Judge sent the case forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing in the sessions of that court commencing on January 29, 2024. Picture: Larry Cummins

A 34-year-old man confessed to burglary at an electronics shop in Cork city centre on two separate occasion, stealing €17,000 worth of phones and other items the first time and €14,000 worth of similar products the second time.

Garda Paul Dromey arrested Ion Barbulescu in Cork City on the two charges — one related to January last year and the other related to last May.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said on Tuesday the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case should proceed by indictment at circuit court level.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke indicated the accused was prepared to sign a plea of guilty to both charges.

That being done, Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing in the sessions of that court commencing on January 29, 2024.

The first charge stated that on January 12, 2022, at Cex on Grand Parade, Cork, having entered the building as a trespasser he committed the theft of mobile phones, tablets, smart watches and other electronic items to the value of €17,000.

The second count was similarly brought under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and related to a similar offence on May 8 where the same range of devices to the value of €14,000 were stolen.

No background details to the twin burglaries were outlined at Cork District Court. It is anticipated that the background circumstances will be outlined at the sentencing hearing early next year.