Homeless man claimed ‘vicious’ hunter knife was for his protection

A SERIAL offender with “an unenviable record” received his 131st conviction when he was brought before Limerick District Court.

Published 29th Jun 2026, 20:00 BST Barrister Reginald Garrett said it’s not an excuse, but Dean Mulqueen may need a knife due to living on the streets. | Iconic A SERIAL offender with “an unenviable record” received his 131st conviction when he was brought before Limerick District Court. Sign up to our Limerick 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 Limerick Live within your account.

Dean Mulqueen, 28, with an address at Greenfields Road, Rosbrien, Limerick, was brought before the city court for a theft and the possession of a knife.

Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill gave garda evidence that Mr Mulqueen stole €11.07 worth of goods from Whitty’s Mace in Caherdavin on May 4, 2026.

Sgt O’Neill told the court when Mr Mulqueen was brought to custody, a six-inch hunter knife was found on his person, which he had no lawful reason for.

Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill outlined that Mr Mulqueen had 129 previous convictions, which includes a large number of thefts and seven drug possession offences.

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Mr Mulqueen has also been convicted for the possession of knives, failure to appear in court, the unauthorised taking of a mechanical propelled vehicle, and the obstruction of a peace officer.

Judge Patricia Harney described Mr Mulqueen as having an “unenviable record”.

Barrister Reginald Garrett, representing Mr Mulqueen, said that the man is currently being held in custody for matters which are before the Circuit Court.

Mr Garrett said in mitigation that Mr Mulqueen’s offending stems from drug addiction and homelessness.

Mr Garrett said it’s not an excuse, but Mr Mulqueen may need a knife due to living on the streets.

“The reason he gave was that it was for his own protection,” Mr Garrett said.

Judge Patricia Harney commented that the knife Mr Mulqueen had was a "vicious looking thing”.

Judge Harney proceeded to convict and sentence Mr Mulqueen to eight weeks’ imprisonment for the theft.

The judge convicted and sentenced Mr Mulqueen to a further four weeks’ imprisonment for the possession of a knife, which is to be served consecutively to the eight weeks’ sentence for theft.

Judge Harney then directed that the sentence be backdated to when Mr Mulqueen first entered custody on May 21, 2026.

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