Man fined after razors, alcohol and fragrances thefts in Letterkenny - Donegal Daily

A man has been fined after stealing over €400 worth of items from shops in Letterkenny this week.Noel McLaughlin, who has 50 previous convictions, admitted the...

A man has been fined after stealing over €400 worth of items from shops in Letterkenny this week.

Noel McLaughlin, who has 50 previous convictions, admitted the offences when he appeared before Letterkenny District Court.

McLaughlin was charged with stealing €66 worth of alcohol and razor blades valued at €53.94 from Tesco on August 26, 2026.

The 42-year-old, who has no fixed abode, was also charged with stealing fragrances worth €307 from Boots.

Garda Ryan Ward gave evidence of arresting McLaughlin, who made no reply when charged.

McLaughlin told the court that he wanted to plead guilty to the offences.

Garda Sergeant Oliver Devaney outlined the incidents to the court. Sergeant Devaney said that the fragrances were not recovered and €119.94 worth of items from Tesco were resalable.

On each occasion, McLaughlin entered the store, lifted the items and left without paying.

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Sergeant Devaney informed the court that McLaughlin has 50 previous convictions, including 38 from outside this jurisdiction.

McLaughlin told Judge Ciaran Liddy that he has no address at the moment. He said he is staying “up the North” and goes “back and forth” between Letterkenny and Derry.

Judge Liddy said this was a very early plea and would give McLaughlin the appropriate credit. Judge Liddy also noted that McLaughlin’s last conviction was eight years ago in 2018.

McLaughlin was fined a total of €400 and given six months to pay.