Man charged with alcohol theft and public order offences

A man charged with various alcohol thefts and public order has been ordered to remain of sober habits between now and the end of February when he reappears before Athlone District Court.

Michael Murphy (35), of no fixed abode in Athlone, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens charged with multiple theft and public order offences.

The court heard evidence of alleged thefts of alcohol at Centra, Church Street, Athlone, on January 6, 2024, and December 9, 2025, and theft of groceries and alcohol at Dunnes Stores, Irishtown, Athlone, on January 9, 2024. The total value of the alcohol and groceries taken across the three dates was €74.24.

Mr Murphy also faces two charges of public order, where it is alleged that, on January 6, 2026, at Church Street, Athlone, he was publicly intoxicated, and engaging in insulting, abusive or threatening behaviour.

He was arrested and later released, and allegedly committed a further offence, the theft of a mobile phone worth €50.

Mr Murphy also faces a charge relating to a date unknown between December 15 and 16, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Northgate Street where it is alleged he allowed himself to be carried in a vehicle that he knew was taken without the consent of the owner.

Judge Owens remanded Mr Murphy on continuing bail and directed any available disclosure be given to his solicitor in the interim. She warned the accused to be of sober habits and, should he get an address, to provide it to Gardaí.

He will reappear on February 25.