Judge: it's time 76-year-old Offaly shoplifter copped on to himself

Man pleaded guilty to stealing from same Aldi supermarket in Tullamore on four occasions

Published 2nd Oct 2026, 18:00 BST Prosecuted at Tullamore District Court for shoplifting | Tribune Pictures Man pleaded guilty to stealing from same Aldi supermarket in Tullamore on four occasions TULLAMORE District Court heard a man who will be 76 later this month was responsible for shoplifting at an Aldi store in the town.

Cyril Barnett, Lilliput, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath, whose 76th birthday will be on October 28, was charged with four counts of grocery theft from Aldi, O'Connell Row, Tullamore, with goods stolen varying in value from €4.99 to €37.09.

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The offences were committed on December 10 and December 29, 2025 and January 17 and February 14 this year.

Mr Barnett also pleaded guilty to failing to appear before Tullamore District Court on June 15 last.

Community across Offaly and Midlands invited to James O’Connor Memorial Walk Sergeant Brendan Kearns told the court the total value of the groceries was over €94.

Aisling Maloney, defending solicitor, said Mr Barnett had not paid compensation and was in very difficult financial circumstances.

Sergeant Brendan Kearns told the court the man had four previous convictions, including one for theft.

Judge Andrew Cody said: “It's time Mr Barnett started copping on to himself and not being a nuisance around town.”

He sentenced Mr Barnett to three months in prison for the theft of €21.17 worth of groceries from Aldi on February 14 last and took the other offences into consideration. The judge suspended the sentence for two years.