Man who tried to steal delivery van in Cork and punched driver is jailed

Defendant tried to steal backpack in van containing cash, cigarettes and knife, court told
Man who tried to steal delivery van in Cork and punched driver is jailed

Accused pleaded guilty to all charges. Picture: Dan Linehan

The driver of a delivery van parked outside the Yo-Yo Asian supermarket in Cork City chased a man who tried to start his van and take a bag from the vehicle but the culprit turned around and punched him in the mouth.

Now, this man has been jailed for eight months at Cork District Court on charges including assault on the driver.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis outlined the background to the matter, which occurred on December 29, 2025. The injured party parked his delivery van outside the Yo-Yo Asian supermarket on George’s Quay, Cork.

John Campion, who is aged about 40, of Cork Simon Community, got into the van where there was a backpack containing cash and the keys of the van. There were also cigarettes and a knife belonging to the driver in the bag.

“The accused tried to start the van. The owner came back to the van. John Campion had been trying to start the van. He ran away and the owner followed him and received a punch from Mr Campion,” Sgt Davis said.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said of the accused: “He has very good intentions all the time that he would go into residential treatment. But when anxious he seems to turn to some kind of narcotics. On this occasion, he meets a friend and tells him he is anxious about upcoming courts and [his friend gives him drugs] and he takes them.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan read the probation report and said: “He has a difficult background. He is at high risk of reoffending. He needs to get his life back on track. I hope he can do well going forward.” 

The judge imposed a total sentence of eight months, backdated to December 30, 2025, when John Campion went into custody, on charges that included assaulting the van driver and theft. Mr Campion pleaded guilty to the charges.

At the conclusion of the case, the judge said: “I wish you well in the future.” 

The accused replied, “Thank you, Judge.”

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