Used counterfeit €20 notes in shops

A MAN who used counterfeit €20 notes at a couple of shops in Rathfarnham and Churchtown, received a suspended sentence at Tallaght District Court.

Patrick Connors (22), with an address of Ballyogan Vale, Carrickmines, appeared before court charged with theft and fraud offences, pleading guilty to the charges.

Garda Dylan McGrath told the court that on February 18, 2022, the accused exchanged “obviously counterfeit” €20 notes at a Natural Bakery store in Nutgrove Shopping Centre and a SuperValu in Churchtown.

Staff only realised that the notes were fake after a transaction in

which Mr Connors purchased brownies, received change and left the store, at which point gardai were called.

The court heard the notes could potentially be used for TV and entertainment purposes.

Mr Connors, a father of one, has 32 previous convictions, the most recent from May 19, 2025, a one-month prison sentence for theft.

Defence counsel Ethan Foley BL, said his client was apologetic, found the notes while intoxicated and attempted to use them against his better judgement.

The amount was at the “lower end of the scale”, Mr Foley asking the judge for consideration.

Judge Patricia McNamar took into account the guilty plea, but that passing counterfeit money is “serious” and sentenced Mr Connors to six months, suspended for a period of 12 months.