Man accused of stealing charity boxes and tip jar

A man charged with stealing €300 from a charity box, and money from a tip jar is due to reappear before Athlone District Court next month.

David O’Leary (36), formerly of St Matthews Park, Ballymahon, now of Battery Heights, Athlone, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens.

Mr O’Leary faces a number of charges for theft, including theft of alcohol to the value of €20 at Centra, Church Street, Athlone, on July 17, 2025, theft of a tip jar with €15 in it from Spanners Café, Golden Island on June 6, 2025, theft of €300 cash from a charity box at the Franciscan Friary, Friary Lane, Athlone on August 18, 2025.

He is also charged with stealing a charity box to the value of €50 belonging to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland at Alfredo’s, Irishtown, Athlone on September 19, 2025, alcohol to the value of €30 from Dunnes Stores, Irishtown on January 1, 2026, and €75 from a man on Connolly Street, Athlone on January 28, 2025.

There is also a charge of getting into a mechanically propelled vehicle belonging to another man while it was stationary on Lyster Street, Athlone, on August 22, 2025.

There was no objection to bail, but Gardaí requested the conditions that he abide by a curfew of 10pm to 8am. Judge Owens also directed he stay out of all off-licence premises.

Mr O’Leary was remanded on continuing bail to February 11, 2026.

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