Kilkenny man jailed over theft from city centre retail premises

A man who pleaded guilty to theft, attempted larceny and criminal damage of sportswear from a retail premises in Kilkenny city centre was sentenced to six months in prison.

Michael Carthy, Bay 1 Wetlands Halting Site, Kilkenny pleaded to the three charges before Monday's sitting of Kilkenny District Court.

Inspector Paul Donohoe said that on August 28, 2025 the defendant had entered Sports Direct on High Street with a number of other youths and admitted stealing t-shirts with a total value of €140.

The defendant also admitted to attempted larceny and criminal damage to a man's gilet at the same store on September 4, 2025. On that date the defendant attempted to take the security tag off the the item of clothing and ripped it making it unsaleable.

The court heard that the defendant has a number of previous convictions, including convictions for theft, public order offences, wilful obstruction and burglary.

Solicitor, Chris Hogan told the court that his client was 'taking the matter seriously'.

"He is from a travelling background. He is not working at the moment and he is due to get married this year," he said.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said that an aggravating factor in the case was the defendant's previous convictions. The judge convicted the defendant and imposed a six-month custodial sentence.

Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.