Cork man with 'horrendous record' jailed for travelling in stolen car

A Cork man with a ‘horrendous record’ of 510 previous convictions was jailed for two months on Monday for travelling in a stolen car – the detection of which was assisted by the owner having a tracker attached to the vehicle.

Judge Catherine Ryan said of Anthony O’Sullivan (39) of 17 Araglen Court, Togher: “It is a shame that it appears to be something of a lifestyle choice for him at this stage. 

"I would have hoped that some sort of rehabilitation would have kicked in at this stage.

“I hope his time in custody will assist him staying off substances and getting on some kind of track.” 

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor said the accused has been getting into trouble for more than half of his life and has been in and out of some form of detention for a long time. 

He said his life has been blighted by heroin, which he got onto in prison at a very young age.

"He is hoping to wean off heroin when he gets out of prison. Hopefully he will stay on suboxone and wean off it more gradually."

Judge Ryan said: “His record is horrendous.” 

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the defendant had among his many convictions, two for interfering with cars, eight for stealing cars, three for robbery and two for burglary.

The latest offence occurred at Wilton Court on September 25, 2025 when a man’s work vehicle, a 2025-registered Dacia Duster, was stolen from outside his home. 

It had a GPS tracker device and the owner was able to inform gardaí that it was at Doughcloyne Industrial Estate.

Sergeant Davis said the defendant was arrested with another man in close proximity to the stolen vehicle. He pleaded guilty to a count of allowing himself to be carried in the stolen car.

He also admitted shoplifting around this time at Lifestyle in Wilton, on September 13, where he stole €125 worth of Nike clothing.