Limerick man identified by crack cocaine pipe left on tour bus

A MAN who left his crack cocaine pipe behind him after stealing from a tour bus has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

Published 6th Jun 2026, 10:00 BST Limerick Courthouse, Mulgrave Street | LL A MAN who left his crack cocaine pipe behind him after stealing from a tour bus has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. 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.

Cian Benn, 42, with an address at McGarry House, Alphonsus Street, Limerick city was charged with stealing from a tourist bus on Merchant’s Quay, Limerick city, on September 9, 2025.

Limerick District Court heard that the man stole a phone, car keys, and electronics with a value of €360 from the tour bus at 9.15pm at night.

Garda evidence from Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill detailed that a crack cocaine pipe was left behind by Mr Benn on the bus.

The pipe was sent for forensic testing, and it was discovered that the DNA was a match for Mr Benn.

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The sergeant detailed that Mr Benn has 203 previous convictions, including 11 for burglary, 29 for theft, three for the handling of stolen property, six for criminal damage, 16 for the simple possession of drugs, three for section three assault, ten for failure to appear in court, one conviction for endangerment, and a number of public order and road traffic offences.

The man’s most recent conviction was recorded in Limerick District Court on May 19, 2026, for a section three assault.

On that date, Mr Benn was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, which he is currently serving a custodial sentence for.

Solicitor Tom Kiely, representing the man, said in mitigation that his client pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity that was available to him.

Mr Kiely said “without these admissions it would be very difficult to get it over the line”, in reference to the case against the man.

Judge Patricia Harney proceeded to convict and sentence Mr Benn to three months’ imprisonment.

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