Cork man convicted of shoplifting tells judge he is 'in bits' after being denied medication in prison

Accused said by video link from Cork Prison: 'They are saying up here that the judge has no say in the matter at all. The doctor says the judge has no say in the matters — that is what you are dealing with up here'

Accused pleaded guilty to stealing a €350 jacket from Brown Thomas, Cork, on January 24.

A 45-year-old man with 244 previous convictions — including 87 for theft — who asked a judge not to be “Mickey-Mousing me around on remand” was given a suspended one-month sentence for his four latest thefts.

Roy Twohig, of Kinlay House, Shandon, Cork, was remanded in custody for one day until January 29 so he could be brought to court to sign in relation to the suspended sentence.

The 45-year-old complained after being given the suspended sentence: “I have no medication. I haven’t received any at all.” 

Judge Catherine Ryan said when she remanded Mr Twohig in custody on Monday, she made a recommendation on the order he would be given the necessary medication in prison.

Mr Twohig said by video link from Cork Prison: “They are saying up here that the judge has no say in the matter at all. The doctor says the judge has no say in the matters — that is what you are dealing with up here. I am in bits.” 

Judge Ryan said: “If I have no say, I can take it no further.” 

Mr Twohig then said: “I’ll have to take it to Dublin for mandamus” — a suggestion he would take judicial review proceedings at the High Court.

Roy Twohig, of no fixed address and originally from Churchfield, pleaded guilty to four thefts, the most recent of which occurred on Saturday, January 24, at Brown Thomas, St Patrick’s Street, Cork, when he stole a €350 jacket by walking out of the store, wearing the jacket for which no payment had been made.

He stole runners valued €50 at Elvery’s Sports on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, on January 2. On December 4, 2025, at Dealz on Grand Parade, he stole €125 worth of items. On November 18, 2025, he stole a €40 jacket at Mountain Warehouse on Opera Lane.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said the items stolen were clothing and not alcohol. He also said most of it was recovered. He said the defendant suffered a high level of anxiety. 

The solicitor said the defendant was homeless on release from prison in November 2025 after a 12-month period remanded in custody, on a charge on which he was found not guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. 

Mr Burke said: “He was homeless and desperate at the time.” Judge Ryan said the extent of the previous convictions was an aggravating factor.