Man admits going on Mullingar shoplifting ‘spree’, court hears

A man in his 20s who came to Mullingar and carried out a shoplifting spree at three different retail outlets town has been bailed and ordered to steer clear of any further trouble.

Judge Bernadette Owens said the court would keep Charlie Ward (23) of 1 Shannon Eighter, Bundoran Road, Sligo, under “review” following his guilty pleas to four offences that occurred within hours of each other on March 10, 2026.

Having been told directions from the DPP were for summary disposal and that all items stolen by the accused were recovered, Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction.

Sgt Sheila Kenny said the first incident took place at Mr Price, Canal Court, Bellview, Mullingar, just after 10am. Mr Ward entered the store and took €168 worth of household items before leaving. He went into Guineys, Castle Street, Mullingar, half an hour later. There, he stole just under €100 of household goods. Sgt Kenny said Mr Ward dropped the stolen items when approached by security outside.

A short time later, Mr Ward entered Aldi, Green Road, Mullingar, in the company of another man and two other women. Sgt Kenny said Mr Ward filled a trolley with €200 of groceries and exited the store. When apprehended, Mr Ward made full admissions over his involvement, added Sgt Kenny.

The fourth and final theft took place just before 6.30pm that day when Mr Ward returned to Mr Price and stole close to €90 of goods.

Sgt Kenny said the accused passed all points of payment and was identified when footage from CCTV was viewed.

The total involved, Sgt Kenny said, was almost €560.

In defence, Louis Kiernan said the four incidents were an “unusual case” for the court to deal with, particularly given his client’s lack of any previous convictions.

“It was a spree on a particular day,” he said, adding that Mr Ward had been in Mullingar at the time with his wife. “He did cooperate, he made admissions and everything was recovered.”

Mr Kiernan said he had also held discussions with the accused in terms of displaying remorse. “If he was to show his bona fide, the court might look at it a certain way,” said Mr Kiernan.

Judge Owens the court was inclined to “keep a review” on the case and said Mr Ward deserved a certain level of credit for the guilty pleas.

The accused was remanded on bail to October 1 and the prosecution was given liberty to re-enter the case.

Legal aid was also granted.