Cork thief stealing cash from UCC's Honan Chapel claimed he was lighting a candle

A tweezers was used by a 69-year-old man to steal cash from a collection box at the Honan Chapel at UCC and, when he was approached by security staff, he claimed he was only lighting a candle.

However, the elderly man later confessed to the church theft and said he had been suffering from addictions for 50 years.

Charles Nolan came before Cork District Court where he pleaded guilty to theft from the collection box at the Honan. He said he suffered addictions to both gambling and heroin.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the theft was carried out at 4.30pm on November 29 2025 at the Honan Chapel on the UCC campus where a man was observed on CCTV by UCC security staff acting suspiciously near a donation box at the front of the church.

“Security at the scene confronted the male who initially stated that he had lit a candle. On further questioning by security the male stated that he had taken money from the donation box. The security guard then informed the male he would contact the gardaí.

“Gardaí ascertained he was Charles Nolan of 7 Murphy's Gardens, Turners Cross, who gave a voluntary interview where he made full admissions to taking €22 from the donation box using a tweezers,” Sgt Davis said.

The defendant has an extensive history of committing exactly this type of offence at churches around Cork.

His solicitor Frank Buttimer said: 

“He has a double addiction – diamorphine and gambling. He has been attending Arbour House most recently for a period of six or seven months. He knows he is clearly at risk of imprisonment.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “He certainly is. It is just mean. I appreciate he has addictions.” 

Charles Nolan spoke up at court and said: “I wasn’t in a casino since I was arrested last … I have a 50-year addiction. I am not taking heroin anymore.” 

Judge Dorgan directed the preparation of a probation report and put sentencing back until June 18.