Judge hands down 14-month sentence for Kilkenny thefts

A defendant who pleaded guilty to six theft offences was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Michael Phelan, Good Shepherd Centre, Church Lane, Kilkenny pleaded guilty to the offences which took place at retail premises in Kilkenny City on dates in September 2025 and involved stealing items including perfumes and clothes.

The defendant has 27 previous convictions including convictions for possession of stolen property, theft and burglary and is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for affray.

Solicitor Chris Hogan told the court that the thefts were committed to fund a drugs addiction and that his client was ‘under serious pressure’ at the time of the offences and wished to apologise to the court.

“He is doing well in prison and he is attending a drugs and education course and is attending the gym as regularly as he can.”

Judge Geraldine Carthy said that she has to take into account the effect of the defendant’s recidivous offending on the businesses of Kilkenny and convicted the defendant and imposed a total sentence of 14 months in prison.