Offaly man with 84 previous convictions says he's slowly 'getting there'

Judge Andrew Cody previously told 44-year-old Tullamore shoplifter who's at risk of going to jail he needed to see progress

Published 25th Sep 2026, 07:00 BST Man prosecuted at Tullamore District Court | Tribune Pictures Judge Andrew Cody previously told 44-year-old Tullamore shoplifter who's at risk of going to jail he needed to see progress A PROBATION report will be prepared in the case of a man with 84 previous convictions who has pleaded guilty to several shoplifting charges.

John Murphy (44), Cloncollig, Tullamore appeared at the local District Court where his solicitor Aisling Maloney said he was pleading guilty to a number of theft charges.

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These included items like a flapjack and Red Bull with the thefts taking place at locations such as Woodie's, Spar and Tesco.

Mr Murphy was also accused of stealing €210 worth of goods from Lidl on December 11 last, including alcohol.

Ms Maloney asked Judge Andrew Cody for time to prepare a plea of mitigation but did tell the court Mr Murphy's wife was unwell and there were financial difficulties in the family.

The solicitor said her client was at risk of imprisonment but he was a man who needed support at home with three children.

Mr Murphy had appeared in court during the summer and Judge Andrew Cody told him he wanted to see him making “progress”.

When he appeared in court again Mr Murphy told Judge Cody: “Slowly but surely I'm getting there.” He said he would pay those people he had left at a loss.

The judge remanded the man on continuing bail to appear in court again on January 11 next but said the prosecution could re-enter matters before then if they wished.

Sergeant Brendan Kearns said he was not aware of any issues in relation to Mr Murphy since his last court appearance.

On that occasion Mr Murphy was told that he was wasting time and money by not turning up in court to face theft charges.

He had been arrested by appointment and there had been nine previous warrants for him.

Mr Murphy said his wife was in a wheelchair and was outside the courtroom. “I'm caring for her full time,” he said, apologising for his absence previously.