Allegedly stole alcohol from stores in two Offaly towns

Man in custody on theft and public drunkenness charges says 'I just want to do what's right' and tells Tullamore District Court he hopes to stay off drink

Published 7th Aug 2026, 15:00 BST Man in custody appeared before Tullamore District Court by video link | Tribune Pictures Man in custody on theft and public drunkenness charges says 'I just want to do what's right' and tells Tullamore District Court he hopes to stay off drink Sign up to our Offaly Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Offaly Live within your account.

A MAN in custody who is accused of stealing alcohol on 11 different occasions told Tullamore District Court he hopes to stay off drink and get accommodation when he is released.

Stephen Bracken (30), of no fixed abode, Tullamore, appeared before Judge Susan Fay by video link from Cloverhill Prison.

Mr Bracken has been charged with theft of various types of alcoholic drinks, including wine, Buckfast, Captain Morgan, brandy and vodka on different dates between November 22, 2025 and January 25, 2026.

The charges allege the thefts took place in a number of different stores in Tullamore, including Aldi, O'Connell Row, Applegreen, Main Street, Spar, Patrick Street, Lidl, Main Street, Doyle's Gala, William Street and Dolan's, Clara Road.

Claire is 'Artist in Focus' at this Sunday's Tullamore Show One charge alleges theft of a sandwich from Applegreen, Main Street, Tullamore at the same time as alcohol was being stolen.

Another charge relates to an alleged theft of alcohol at Baggot's Centra, The Square, Clara.

Mr Bracken is also accused of public drunkenness and engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Arden View, Tullamore on July 23 last and at Tullamore Hospital on both December 8 and December 13 last.

On December 10, 2025, when the man allegedly committed theft at Spar, Patrick Street, Tullamore, he is also accused of public drunkenness at Distillery Lane and Bridge Street in the town.

Another charge alleges public drunkenness on November 15 last year at Tullamore train station.

Sergeant Brendan Kearns told the court there were 22 charges in all against Mr Bracken and Aising Maloney, solicitor, would normally be appearing for him.

Sergeant Kearns said while the DPP had directed that the prosecution could be disposed of summarily there were some theft charges where Mr Bracken was entitled to decide whether he wished to be tried in the District Court or the Circuit Court.

The sergeant said some prosecution matters were at different stages, including some pleas.

Five-year-old from Offaly completes amazing 25 parkruns Judge Fay noted that Mr Bracken had been in custody for three weeks and said his solicitor was not working at present because of the withdrawal of services due to a dispute with the Department of Justice.

Mr Bracken said he had not applied for bail and now wished to work through his withdrawal from alcohol, stay off drink and get accommodation.

Judge Fay told the man he was in an unfortunate situation and normally he would have a solicitor fighting his corner.

“In my view you have the right to a solicitor to represent you,” she said.

Mr Bracken asked if he could be remanded for one more week and in the meantime he would speak to Ms Maloney by phone from prison.

Sergeant Kearns said Mr Bracken would need advice from a solicitor because there was a possibility that sentences previously suspended could be triggered if he is convicted.

Judge Fay remanded Mr Bracken in custody for another week to August 13 and told the man she would be present herself in court and “we'll see where we are” following his telephone consultation with his solicitor.