Kilkenny man jailed for 18 months over multiple thefts

A man who admitted multiple counts of theft before a recent sitting of Kilkenny District Court was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

James Roche, 2 Freren Court, Abbey Street, Kilkenny pleaded guilty to 11 counts of theft and one count of trespass at locations in Kilkenny city and county on dates between September and November, 2025.

The defendant admitted breaking into three vehicles that were parked in the Friary Walk housing estate in Callan on November 3, 2025 and stealing small quantities of cash.

The man also admitted to breaking into 10 cars in the Callan area on dates between October 24 and November 3, 2025 and to stealing €267 in cash and items with an approximate value of €200.

He also admitted theft from two cars at Skeough, Callan on October 24, 2025 and to stealing a head torch and €100 in cash from one of the vehicles.

The defendant also admitted to trespass at MacAuley Rice National School on November 3, 2025.
The defendant also entered a guilty plea to the theft of clothing from Oxfam on High Street on September 10, 2025.

The court heard that on the date in question the Mr Roche entered the premises and went into the changing room where he put on clothes belonging to the shop and then left the store wearing the clothes. Sergeant Morgan O’Connor told the court that Mr Roche has 154 previous convictions.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny man jailed over theft from city centre retail premises

“He enters cars and pilfers through them looking for cash,” said the sergeant.

Solicitor Chris Hogan said that his client has ‘a chronic drug addiction’ adding that while he breaks into vehicles, he doesn’t cause damage.

“He was doing well last year and was working for the first time in over 10 years. He did well and was promoted but had a relapse and went back on tablets and then heroin and crack cocaine and ended up homeless,” Mr Hogan said.

The court heard that the defendant is currently in custody and serving a sentence.

Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted Mr Roche and imposed an 18-month custodial sentence.