Cork man caught in vicious cycle of petty thefts to pay for drug addiction, court hears

A 29-year-old man facing sentencing for thefts at Cork District Court was described as being caught in a vicious cycle of petty thefts to pay for drug addiction.

Kerien Doyle, of St Vincent’s hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, pleaded guilty to carrying out two thefts in Cork city.

The most recent shoplifting was on January 2 at Brown Thomas, St Patrick’s Street, where he stole headphones valued at €100.

On September 29, 2025, he stole three bottles of alcohol at Dunnes Stores.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said of the accused: “He was trying to get a bag of cocaine and he went in and stole this in Brown Thomas.

“Originally from South Africa, he is in Ireland since 2018.

“He is in vicious cycle of petty thefts to pay for drug addiction, doing well for periods but then slipping back.

“He is ashamed to be back and feels he is letting a lot of people down.

Judge John King said: “I will direct a probation report before sentencing on February 2.

The defendant said, “Thank you, your honour, I really appreciate that.”