'Reprehensible': Shoplifter threatened to 'burst open' security guard at Tipperary store

A man with nearly 200 previous convictions was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment after he admitted a number of shoplifting offences at commercial premises in Nenagh.

At the local court, Judge Marie Keane was told that on August 29, 2025, Roy Forde walked out of the Tesco store in the town with goods worth €24 without paying. 

When the defendant, who has no fixed abode, was confronted by a member of staff, he threatened to “burst his head open” and told him to “f*** off”.  

Judge Keane said the threat made to the member of security was of a “reprehensible nature” and that he was "simply doing his job and was entitled to protect the shop". 

The court heard that earlier that same month - on August 8 - the 36-year-old was observed leaving a pharmacy - at Pearse Street in the town - having stolen goods worth €44.95. 

Gardai were alerted by a passing taxi driver and the defendant was subsequently identified from CCTV.

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Upon his arrest, a chisel was found in Mr Forde’s sock and he was unable to provide an explanation to gardai as to why he had it in his possession.

Judge Keane was told the goods taken from the Tesco store were not recovered and that while the products stolen from the pharmacy were recovered they were "not resaleable".

Solicitor Liz McKeever said that Mr Forde, who appeared before the court via video link from Limerick prison,  is “well known to the court at this stage” and that he has suffered from addiction issues "all his life". She added that he has been "doing well" in prison. "He knows he can't continue with this lifestyle," she added.

Sergeant Regina McCarthy said the 36-year-old has 190 previous convictions, for a multitude of offences including burglary and theft. She added that a number of suspended sentences remain live and that these may be triggered given his convictions.

Ms McKeever said her client had been in custody since he was denied bail in October and she appealed to Judge Keane to backdate any prison sentence. 

The judge imposed consecutive sentences, totalling eight months' imprisonment.