Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 18950Theft · Co. Longford · 19 May 2023

Longford man charged with theft of clothes from Dunnes Stores

On 19 May 2023 William McDonnell (50), a man from Longford, was charged with theft of clothes valued at €160 from Dunnes Stores on Dublin Road, Longford, after he allegedly put the clothes on in the shop and did not pay for them. He was apprehended while still wearing them, and the property was recovered. At Longford District Court the court heard he had 125 previous convictions, and the judge said she would have to look at a previous suspended sentence. The matter was put back until after Christmas.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court6 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
William McDonnell is alleged to have put on clothes valued at €160 in Dunnes Stores and not paid for them.
Where
The alleged theft was from Dunnes Stores on Dublin Road, Longford.
When
The alleged theft took place on 19 May 2023.
Investigation
  • He was apprehended by gardaí while still wearing the clothes.
  • The property was recovered.
Charges
He was charged with theft of clothes.
In court
  • The case was heard at Longford District Court, and the report was published on 6 December 2023.
  • The court heard that he had 125 previous convictions, and a report described him as having over 100.
  • The judge said she would have to look at a previous suspended sentence.
  • The matter was put back until after Christmas.
Other details
  • When caught, he said he was sorry and should never have done it.
  • His solicitor said he would have money to pay compensation later in the week.
  • The defence said he has had a lot of tragedy in his life and is in very poor health.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatHe attempted to steal clothes he had put on in a supermarket. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whatHe put on clothes valued at €160 and did not pay for them. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whereThe theft was from Dunnes Stores on Dublin Road, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whenThe theft was on 19 May 2023. (longfordleader.ie)
  • investigationHe was apprehended while still wearing the clothes. (longfordleader.ie)
  • investigationThe property had been recovered. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with theft of clothes. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe court heard he had 125 previous convictions. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe judge said she would have to look at a previous suspended sentence. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe matter was put back until after Christmas. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherWhen caught, he said he was sorry and should never have done it. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherHe said he would have money to pay compensation later in the week. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe defendant has had a lot of tragedy in his life and is in very poor health. (longfordleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Dec2023
    In courtlongfordleader.ie, first report
    Longford man was wearing stolen clothes when apprehended by gardaí

    First report of this case. It gives the charge, the value of the clothes, the recovery of the property, the defendant's previous convictions, and the adjournment to allow compensation to be paid.

    accused, William McDonnell, 50, male, named, irish (judged from name)William McDonnell