Mullin, 62, who earned 55 Irish caps between 1984 and 1995 before entering a career in financial services, appeared for his third hearing before Judge Áine Clancy. He is accused of a single count of theft under section four of the Theft and Fraud Act relating to an alleged incident at the Brown Thomas department store on Dublin’s Grafton Street on May 15.
Legal Arguments Over CCTV and Disclosure
During the proceedings, defence solicitor John O’Doherty argued that video evidence gathered by investigators was “inconclusive” and pointed to delays in witness statement disclosures. In July, the court had granted an order for the disclosure of a specific statement, which the defence maintained had not been fully satisfied.
The prosecuting solicitor countered that additional statements regarding the origin of the CCTV footage existed. Meanwhile, the court sergeant asserted that no further material remained to be handed over and that the investigating garda had already supplied a summary of evidence along with the video recordings.
Judge Clancy declined the defence request to immediately dismiss the case. However, she intervened by imposing a strict three-week deadline, marking the case peremptory against the State. This designation means that if the prosecution fails to comply fully with disclosure orders by the next hearing, the court may strike out the charge entirely.
Jurisdiction and Next Procedural Steps
Mullin, residing at Albert Lodge, Stillorgan Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, sat quietly at the back of the public gallery during the brief hearing and was not required to address the court. Because he is not receiving legal aid, his proceedings remained unaffected by the wider disruptions across Irish criminal courts caused by recent legal aid payment disputes.
The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal in the District Court rather than sending the matter forward to the Circuit Court, taking into account the evaluated value of €158. The District Court has accepted jurisdiction for the case, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in custody and a fine of up to €3,000 upon conviction.
Prosecuted by Garda Nathan Cox of Pearse Street, Mullin was remanded on continuing bail. He is scheduled to return to Dublin District Court on October 20 to enter a formal plea.