Man jailed after series of 'bizarre' burglaries in one day at Cork restaurant

The court heard the defendant was doing well in prison and that if he could continue to rehabilitate successfully he would be welcome to return to the family home in Mahon

The man got into Tequila Jack's on Lapp's Quay in Cork City three times on the same day. File picture: Larry Cummins

Bizarre burglaries taking place over and over at the same premises on the same day — Tequila Jack’s on the Boardwalk in Cork City — resulted in the culprit being jailed for seven months.

Jonathan Murphy (aged 35) of Cork Simon Community pleaded guilty to four charges related to burglary or attempted burglary or criminal damage at the same premises on the same day.

“The (burglaries) were bizarre because he came and went all day long,” Judge Mary Dorgan said at Cork District Court.

Sergeant Dave Delea outlined what happened at Tequila Jack’s on Lapp’s Quay, Cork, on August 6, 2024.

“At 1am he was observed gaining entry to the premises through a side fire exit door when the premises was closed. He went behind the bar and took €200 worth of alcohol. He exited through the same point of entry.

“At 11am he came back and gained entry through the same fire exit door causing €870 worth of damage on this occasion. He went around the bar but a staff member was present completing a stock take and the male left again with nothing.

“He came in by the front entrance door with another man when the premises was closed but they were escorted out by the member of staff at 11.30am.

“On August 19 he smashed the wing mirrors off two cars parked on Anderson’s Street.

On the same day he was shoplifting at Tesco on Paul Street in Cork City.

Sergeant Dave Delea said the accused had 244 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary, 27 for theft and numerous public order offences.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the defendant was doing well in prison and that if he could continue to rehabilitate successfully he would be welcome to return to the family home in Mahon.

Imposing the seven-month term, Judge Mary Dorgan wished the defendant well in his rehabilitation.