Man stole cash from behind counter of Cork language school 

A frightening experience for staff at a language school in Cork saw a man go behind the counter and steal €200 in cash and now a jail sentence was imposed on the 39-year-old.

Judge Catherine Ryan said it must have been frightening for staff to have an intruder enter a restricted staff area and carry out the theft.

There was no evidence of any interaction between the intruder, David O’Sullivan of 10 Dunmanus Park, Knocknaheeny, Cork, and any member of staff.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident occurred just after lunchtime on January 22, 2025.

“He entered the English language school, ICOT, as a trespasser, went behind the counter and took €200 in cash. He was identified on CCTV,” Sgt Kelleher said.

David O’Sullivan had 187 previous convictions including 24 for burglary and 40 counts of theft.

Judge Catherine Ryan said that not surprisingly in light of the previous convictions, the probation service had put the accused at high risk of reoffending.

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor said the accused was planning to get into residential treatment on his release from prison.

Judge Ryan said this represented some element of hope and commented that in terms of future offending “it might stop him in his tracks.” 

For the burglary at ICOT, Judge Ryan sentenced him to four months with the last two months suspended on condition that he would attend residential treatment within four weeks of his release from prison.

The two months imposed will not increase the overall time to be served by the accused in custody as he was already serving a longer sentence.