Friday 30 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. 17582Theft · Co. Donegal · 1 Nov 2023

Man pleads guilty to using found Revolut card to buy cigarettes in Letterkenny

On Wednesday 1 November 2023, at about 9.40am, a man allegedly used a Revolut card belonging to Neil Byrne to buy cigarettes at a convenience store in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Robert Makula, a 29-year-old man, was charged with stealing property worth €23. On 16 April 2024 he appeared before Letterkenny District Court, chose to have the case heard in the District Court and pleaded guilty. The judge adjourned sentencing to 22 April and said she wants the money paid back by that date.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court16 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Robert Makula, a 29-year-old man, used a Revolut card to buy a packet of cigarettes.
Where
The purchase was made at a convenience store in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
When
The theft took place at about 9.40am on Wednesday 1 November 2023.
Cause
Makula said he had found the card and used it, and the card owner did not give him permission to use it.
Charges
Makula was charged with stealing property worth €23 belonging to Neil Byrne.
In court
  • Makula appeared before Letterkenny District Court and chose to have the case heard in the District Court.
  • Makula pleaded guilty before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham.
Sentence
  • The judge adjourned the matter to 22 April for sentencing.
  • The judge said she wants the money paid back by the sentencing date.
Other details
  • Makula's solicitor said he is a father of one in a long-term relationship who has since found a part-time job.
  • Makula has three previous convictions under the Road Traffic Act.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatRobert Makula appeared before Letterkenny District Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe purchase was made in a convenience store in Letterkenny. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe theft took place at about 9.40am on Wednesday, 1 November 2023. (donegallive.ie)
  • causeMakula used a Revolut card to buy a packet of cigarettes. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeMakula was charged with stealing property worth €23 belonging to Neil Byrne. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtMakula chose to have the case heard in the District Court. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtMakula pleaded guilty. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe judge adjourned the matter to 22 April for sentencing. (donegallive.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge said she wants the money paid back by the sentencing date. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe card owner did not give Makula permission to use the card. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherMakula said he had found the card and used it. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherMakula's solicitor said he is a 29-year-old father-of-one with a long-term relationship and has since found a part-time job. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherMakula has three previous convictions under the Road Traffic Act. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 16 Apr2024
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Man in Letterkenny court after using Revolut card he found on street to buy cigarettes

    Court report on the guilty plea and adjournment for sentencing. The article gives the date of the theft as 1 November 2023 and says the court was told the card belonged to Neil Byrne.

    accused, Robert Makula, 29, male, namedRobert Makulavictim, Neil Byrne, irish (judged from name)Neil Byrne