Former Irish rugby international Brendan Mullin faces a March 8 hearing date after pleading not guilty to stealing a high-end Hermès fragrance worth €158 from Brown Thomas on Dublin’s Grafton Street, rte.ie reported.
The 62-year-old defendant represented himself during his fifth court appearance before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court. Mullin’s representation without a solicitor stems from an ongoing legal aid reform dispute that has caused many legal professionals to withdraw from District Court proceedings.
Court Appearance and Legal Representation in Dublin
When the court called his case on 15 May, Mullin addressed the presiding judge directly. My solicitor cannot be here obviously because of the ongoing dispute,
he stated in the courtroom. I am seeking a hearing date at District Court level, and pleading not guilty,
he added.
Former Irish rugby international Brendan Mullin has pleaded not guilty to stealing a high-end perfume from Brown Thomas on Dublin's Grafton Street https://t.co/l3vT8wtcPu
Judge Hughes confirmed with the court sergeant that the matter was short and acknowledged Mullin’s intention to contest the charge. The judge set the hearing for 8 March and remanded Mullin, whose address is listed as Albert Lodge, Stillorgan Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, on continuing bail.
Prior to the latest proceeding, defense solicitors secured an order for the disclosure of a statement. Counsel described the available video footage as inconclusive. Garda Nathan Cox of Pearse Street prosecutes the case against Mullin under section 4 of the Theft and Fraud Act.
Faces Minor Sentence for €158 Offense in District Court
The single charge brought against the former athlete carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in prison alongside a fine reaching up to €3,000 upon conviction at the District Court level. Based on the evaluation of €158, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal within the District Court rather than sending the matter forward to the Circuit Court, which maintains wider sentencing powers. The District Court has accepted jurisdiction over the case.
Mullin won 55 Irish rugby caps between 1984 and 1995 before establishing a career in financial services. The unfolding legal process continues ahead of the scheduled March court date.
