Waterford man who attempted to steal from Penney's given another chance
Waterford Courthouse.
A man, with 94 previous convictions, who attempted to steal a basket of items from Penney's has been given another chance at Waterford District Court.
Philip Duffy (42), of Aglish, Cappoquin, Co Waterford, was before Waterford District Court charged with theft from Penney's on Barronstrand Street, Waterford.
Inspector Eoin Doyle told the court that on October 21, 2025, Garda Clodagh Horgan responded to a report from the store.
Security had stopped the defendant who had attempted to leave the store without paying for €219 worth of items.
The court heard that the defendant had 94 previous convictions, including four for theft.
Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty acknowledged that his client has a “long history” but he said that his client had a difficult upbringing and struggles with addiction.
He said that although the shop is not at any loss, his client had brought €160 and was hoping to make a contribution to the court poor box.
Judge Kevin Staunton acknowledged the defendant’s large number of previous convictions but noted that the “basket never left the shop” and so there was no loss.
He described the offence as “a worrying development in respect of Mr Duffy’s journey” but said he would give him a chance.
He sent Mr Duffy to pay the €160 to the court poor box and said that if that was done, he would apply Section 1.2 of the Probation Act and put him under a probation bond for 12 months.
