Ireland Homeless man fined over Tullamore Garda Station incident and Lidl thefts
On November 22, 2024, John Murray, a 42-year-old man who his solicitor said has been homeless for some time, was asked to move on from Tullamore Garda Station, became angry and refused, and was later charged with failing to comply with a Guard's direction and threatening behaviour there. He was also charged with stealing groceries and other items from Lidl on Main Street, Tullamore, on the same day. At Tullamore District Court on February 5, 2025, his solicitor said he was pleading guilty, and Judge Susan Fay convicted him and fined him €300 for the Lidl thefts. The latest development, reported on February 17, 2025, is that fine.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced17 Feb
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- John Murray, a 42-year-old man, was charged with public order and theft offences.
- Where
- The public order incident happened at Tullamore Garda Station and the thefts happened at Lidl on Main Street, Tullamore, County Offaly.
- When
- The incidents happened on November 22, 2024.
- Cause
- He became angry, cursed and swore when asked to move on and refused to do so.
- Investigation
- A Garda told the court that he had slept on a bench overnight in the public area of the Garda Station.
- Charges
- He was charged with failing to comply with a Guard's direction and with threatening behaviour at Tullamore Garda Station.
- He was charged with stealing a bottle of wine, a cigarette lighter, a pizza donut and groceries from Lidl, worth €17.37 and €59.11.
- Other details
- He went to Lidl on two separate occasions and stole the items.
- He had six previous convictions, including two for public order offences.
- His solicitor said he has been homeless for some time and asked the judge to be as lenient as possible.
- He was released the same day as the incident.
- In court
- He was charged at Tullamore District Court on February 5, 2025, and his solicitor said he was pleading guilty.
- Sentence
- Judge Susan Fay convicted him and fined him €300 for the thefts from Lidl.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- causeHe became angry and cursed and swore when asked to move on and refused to do so. (offalyexpress.ie)
- investigationA Garda told the court he had slept on a bench overnight in the public area of the Garda Station. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeCharged with failing to comply with a Guard's direction and threatening behaviour at Tullamore Garda Station on November 22. (offalyexpress.ie)
- chargeCharged with stealing a bottle of wine, a cigarette lighter, a pizza donut and groceries from Lidl on Main Street, Tullamore, on November 22, worth €17.37 and €59.11. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtCharged with public order and theft offences at Tullamore District Court on February 5. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtHis solicitor said he was pleading guilty. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceJudge Susan Fay convicted him and fined him €300 for the thefts from Lidl. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHe was released the same day and went to Lidl on two separate occasions, where he stole the items. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHe had six previous convictions, including two for public order offences. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor said he is 42 years of age. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor said he has been homeless for some time. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor asked the judge to be as lenient as possible. (offalyexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 17 Feb2025Man became aggressive when asked to leave Tullamore Garda Station
Court report on the February 5 sitting of Tullamore District Court. Adds the charges, the guilty plea, the Garda account of the custody incident, the Lidl thefts, previous convictions, and the €300 fine.
convicted, John Murray, 42, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Murray