Theft of garda ID and bank cards lands young Cork man with 220 hours of community service

The court heard the young man was hanging around with people who were not good for him around the time of the offences

The judge said: 'The offending was mean and nasty. And taking a garda identification badge was a disgrace.' File photo

Stealing a garda identification badge from a parked car in the early hours of the morning was described by a District Court judge as a disgraceful action as the young culprit was ordered to do community service to avoid a jail term.

21-year-old Martin Molloy, of 79 Ardmore Avenue, Knocknaheeny, Cork, was directed to do a total of 220 hours of community service instead of five months in prison by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court.

Sergeant John Dineen outlined the background to this and other offences committed by Martin Molloy on October 31, 2024.

“At 5am he entered Belfield Abbey, opened a car and took a bank card. At 5.20am he opened another car in Ballinlough and stole a wallet containing bank cards and a garda ID badge.

“At 7am on that morning he was found in possession of a bank card - the property of the woman who owned the first car — at Centra, Grand Parade, and Spar on St Patrick’s Street.” 

The young man pleaded guilty to charges of theft and handling stolen property arising out of these incidents.

He also admitted being drunk and a danger and engaging in threatening behaviour at Washington St on January 28, 2024.

Solicitor Eddie Burke said the young man was hanging around with people who were not good for him around the time of these offences, but since then he had gained employment, was keen to maintain that and to put his life on a better footing.

Judge Dorgan said she was glad to hear that but added: “The offending was mean and nasty. And taking a garda identification badge was a disgrace.” In all the circumstances the judge said that instead of a number of sentences totalling five months, the young man could do 220 hours of community service.