A 29-year-old man has pleaded guilty to 20 counts of theft in Limerick, Ireland, after using a debit card to craft unauthorized purchases at multiple businesses. Jose Filho, of Heritage Close, Belview Gardens, Ennis Road, Limerick city, appeared before Limerick District Court and admitted to the offenses, which violate Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.
According to Garda Sergeant Denis Waters, who prosecuted the case, Filho illicitly “tapped” the debit card to purchase goods totaling €440.69. The incidents occurred across various dates in September of last year.
Centra Monaleen, located in Newtown, Limerick, was the site of seven separate transactions totaling €249.60. McDonald’s in Castletroy accounted for €49.65 in unauthorized spending across two visits. Additional businesses affected include Garvey’s SuperValu in Corbally, Circle K in Caherdavin, and Fine Wines, also in Castletroy.
Representing Filho, solicitor Sarah Ryan indicated that her client would require time to repay the stolen funds. Judge Patricia Harney has remanded Filho on bail pending compensation.
