Cork man jailed for twice driving off with cars during test drives

At Cork District Court Judge Mary Dorgan has imposed a sentence totalling eight months on the 24-year-old. File photo

A man was allowed to take a car for a test drive around the vendor’s yard but he took off without paying for it.

Simon Quilligan effectively carried out this same crime at two different locations. Now at Cork District Court Judge Mary Dorgan has imposed a sentence totalling eight months on the 24-year-old from Aisling Court, Lehenaghmore, Cork.

Shane Collins-Daly solicitor said of Mr Quilligan, “He is 25. He has four children. He moved to Buttevant about two years ago. It was going well for him, putting a bit of distance between himself and family and friends.

“But things spiralled out of control when he came back, taking alcohol and various drugs. On each occasion there was no sophistication to the thefts. He got into the cars and drove off. They were old cars.” 

Judge Dorgan said in relation to the point about the age of the cars: “I am not accepting that — if it was your old car and you saw it being driven off down the road.” 

Mr Collins-Daly said there was not a huge amount of pre-meditation involved in the offences. He said the young man missed Christmas with his children as a result of his own actions.

Offences

Sergeant Dave Delea outlined the background to the offences. On December 22, 2023, at Togher Road, Cork, Simon Quilligan got into a Volkswagen Bora and drove off without paying for it after he was allowed to test drive it.

On May 18, 2024, at Lissnacunna, Enniskeane, he got a taxi to the location costing €70 but did not pay the fare. He then went to test drive a Volkswagen Polo but drove off without paying for the car.

Mr Collins-Daly said that both stolen cars were later recovered and returned to the owners.

Mr Quilligan also pleaded guilty to other counts of shoplifting. On July 3, 2024, while he was paying for drink at Supervalu off-licence in Blackrock a slash-hook was dropped on the counter. He picked it up and left. He made no threats.

Arising out of that incident he pleaded guilty to possession of the weapon. Judge Dorgan said there could be no reason for having a slash-hook under his jacket when visiting an off-licence.