Cork man who entered jewellery shop store room and stole cash from workers is jailed

Accused entered a private store room in the shop and stole money from purses belonging to two members of staff, totalling €380, court told

The incident occurred at Moore’s jewellers in Mahon Point. File picture: Denis Minihane

Staff at a jewellers at Mahon Point in Cork had their own cash stolen by a man who went into a store room not open to members of the public and went through purses belonging to two of them.

Ciaran Callanan has now been jailed by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court for four months for this crime.

The 29-year-old, with an address Harbour View Road, Knocknaheeny, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of trespassing to commit a theft.

Sergeant Dave Delea said the incident occurred at Moore’s jewellers in Mahon Point.

The accused entered a private store room in the jewellers. While there, he stole money from purses belonging to two members of staff, totalling €380.

“He was disturbed by one staff member, upon which he fled the scene through service corridors where are not accessible to members of the public.” 

Diane Hallahan defence solicitor, said: “He is a serving prisoner — he was sentenced for matters occurring last year and he was not charged with this.

“This is almost 26 months ago. Ordinarily, I could have made a delay argument but he is desirous to deal with it even though he is prejudiced by the fact that he was not charged sooner. He was always available to gardaí. He is pleading guilty. He is sorry. 

“He had an addiction from the age of 13 that spiralled out of control. He has been taking part in education and dealing with his addictions in prison.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan said she would take into consideration that Mr Callanan had served sentences for offences he had committed since this occurred and she commented this case could have come before the court sooner. 

The judge sentenced him to four months.