Former chef at popular Waterford restaurant was stealing cash from the premises
Momo Restaurant on Patrick Street in Waterford city.
A man, who was formerly employed at a popular restaurant in Waterford city, appeared in court last week appealing his sentence for stealing cash from the premises during and after his employment there.
David Heffernan, living at 15 Bridge Street, Cork, appeared at Waterford Courthouse in relation to four burglary charges and one theft charge.
The court heard that Heffernan had left employment at Momo as a chef, but had been returning there periodically to steal cash on dates between March and April 2024.
He had knowledge from his previous employment of where the money was kept in the restaurant.
Upon entering the premises, he went behind the cashier's desk and took the money on five occasions in total.
One of these occasions occurred when he was still employed.
The total amount he stole was €1,450.
Gardaí were made aware of the incidents and spoke with Heffernan. He made admissions to gardaí that he committed the crimes and told them he stole the money so that he could buy drugs.
Previously in Waterford District Court, he received an eight-month sentence on one burglary charge. Three remaining burglary charges and one theft charge were taken into consideration.
Heffernan appeared in Waterford Circuit Court last week to appeal the severity of this sentence.
He came to court with €500 in compensation for the impacted party.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly adjourned the matter until July 21 to allow for the procurement of a probation report and for the man to produce the remaining balance of compensation.
