A 47-year-old man walked into a jewellers in Cork and asked to try on a gold bracelet valued €9,555 but as soon as he got it on his wrist he fled from the premises.

Jerry Foley of 1B Grenville Court, Cork, was followed and gardaí were quickly alerted and fortunately for the store he was stopped and arrested and still had the bracelet in his possession when he was caught.

Now at Cork District Court the accused has pleaded guilty to stealing the property. He entered a signed plea of guilty and Judge Olann Kelleher sent the case forward for sentencing in a month’s time at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The incident occurred at Castle Jewellers on Castle Street in Cork city.

Gardaí patrolling the area found Foley and he was in possession of the stolen bracelet which was returned to the store.

As well as pleading guilty to this matter which will now have to be dealt with at the circuit court he also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage at an apartment in Cork city. That was dealt with at Cork District Court where Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a sentence of eight months on him.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said, “At 10 p.m. on July 10 2022 it was alleged that Mr Foley kicked in the door to the apartment.

“This incident was captured on CCTV located over the door of the apartment. It showed Mr Foley on the landing with two females.

“They knocked at the door and when it was not answered he first attempted to push the door open with his shoulder.

“When this failed he is seen taking a step back and kicking the door with his foot. It cost €730 to repair.”

Eddie Burke solicitor said the damage at the apartment was not a random incident relating to strangers. He said that Jerry Foley knew the people living there.