Men accused of going on €5,000 shopping spree with stolen card barred from parts of city

Two men accused of a significant spending spree with a stolen bank card have been barred from entering large parts of Dublin city center. Nixon Marian Malinte, 36, and Ionut Cozma, 40, appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday facing multiple charges. The alleged offenses occurred on June 28th across several key shopping areas, including Mary Street, Henry Street, and the Jervis Shopping Centre.

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The defendants lacked legal representation due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors in a dispute with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan over the introduction of a €520 flat-fee legal aid payment for District Court cases, regardless of the number of hearings.

Prosecutors detailed accusations of theft and fraud, including the purchase of €900 worth of goods from Arnotts department store. The men are also accused of attempting to use the stolen card for purchases totaling €1,785 at Currys and JD Sports, and another €228 from Foot Locker. They allegedly attempted further purchases of €266 from Lifestyle Sports.

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Mr Malinte he must surrender his passport and not leave the State.

Legal representation for the defendants was unavailable due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors protesting a new €520 flat-fee legal aid payment. Despite this, bail was granted by Judge Michele Finan, subject to strict conditions. Mr. Malinte must surrender his passport and cannot leave the state, while both men are prohibited from entering O'Connell Street, Henry Street, Abbey Street, and Bachelors Walk. Mr. Malinte, a Romanian national, requires a court interpreter and is currently unemployed, having recently returned from Switzerland. Mr. Cozma stated he is employed and earns €600 weekly, seeking clarification on access to Moore Street for work, which the judge permitted while maintaining the exclusion zones.

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The two men were ordered to stay out of O’Connell Street, Henry Street, Abbey Street, and Bachelors Walk.

Both men, who have not yet entered pleas, were remanded on bail. They are scheduled to appear again on September 24th, pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case underscores the challenges faced by the legal system amidst professional disputes, impacting the accessibility of representation for defendants.

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Mr Cozma told the court he was working and earning €600 a week. He sought clarification regarding his access to Moore Street, where he needs to go for work.