Man stole over €38k worth of mobile phones from a Louth store

A 25 year old man who was part of a three-man gang involved in stealing over €38,000 worth of high end mobile phones in a burglary at a local Eir store, was jailed for 15 months at Dundalk Circuit Court last Friday.

Englez Mihai of Drive 2, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk pleaded guilty to theft arising out of the incident at the Long Walk Shopping Centre, on December 16th 2023.

The court had previously heard that the two others, who had entered the store after closing time, had stolen 60 iphone and Samsung phones but had since left the jurisdiction.

The defendant was found holding up the shutter and when challenged had claimed he was trying to help one of the shop staff inside.

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He was seen to get into a car which the two intruders had got into after leaving the store by the fire exit.

His barrister had argued Mr. Mihai was now left holding the can for a more minor role in the incident.

Judge Dara Hayes imposed a two and a half year sentence with the final 15 months suspended.