Thursday 29 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. 10648Theft · Co. Limerick · 29 Aug 2025

Two men convicted over theft of cable reels in Limerick

Barry Ward (36) and Patrick Ward (53), who are related by marriage, were convicted of theft of 21 cable reels worth €2,100 in County Limerick. The theft happened at 4.45pm on 29 August 2025 and was captured on CCTV. Both men pleaded guilty before Newcastle West District Court, where Barry Ward was sentenced to one month in prison suspended for two years and Patrick Ward was fined €200 with six months to pay. The latest development is the court report on the convictions and sentences, published in March 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced3 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Two men were convicted of theft of 21 cable reels worth €2,100.
Where
The theft took place in County Limerick and the men appeared before Newcastle West District Court.
When
The theft happened at 4.45pm on 29 August 2025.
Investigation
The theft was captured on CCTV.
Charges
  • Barry Ward pleaded guilty to the theft of the cable reels.
  • Patrick Ward also pleaded guilty to theft.
In court
The court heard that Patrick Ward has no previous convictions.
Sentence
  • Barry Ward was sentenced to one month in prison, suspended for two years.
  • Patrick Ward was convicted and fined €200, with six months to pay.
Other details
  • The cable reels are used for installing solar panels.
  • No property was recovered.
  • Barry Ward's separate driving offences from December 2025 are not part of this case.
  • The court report was published on 5 March 2026, though its metadata gives the date as 3 March 2026.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatTwo men were convicted of theft for stealing 21 cable reels worth €2,100. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe theft happened at 4.45pm on 29 August 2025. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationThe theft was captured on CCTV. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeBarry Ward pleaded guilty to the theft of the cable reels. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargePatrick Ward also pleaded guilty to theft. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe two men appeared before Newcastle West District Court. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe court heard Patrick Ward has no previous convictions. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceBarry Ward was sentenced to one month in prison, suspended for two years, for the theft. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentencePatrick Ward was convicted and fined €200, with six months to pay. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe cable reels are used for installing solar panels. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherNo property was recovered. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 3 Mar2026
    Sentencedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    Two men convicted for stealing more than €2k of cable reel in Limerick daytime theft

    Court report giving the convictions and sentences for the cable reel theft. Barry Ward's separate driving offences from December 2025 are not part of this case and are not recorded.

    convicted, Barry Ward, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Barry Wardconvicted, Patrick Ward, 53, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick Ward