A man has been charged following a reported burglary at Diamond Heaven, a jewellery retailer on Clarendon Street in Dublin 2, in which jewellery valued at approximately €100,000 was taken.
Incident and Arrest
Sean Hanratty, aged 41, was charged with two counts of burglary, including one at the jewellery premises and another at a nearby restaurant. Dublin District Court heard that gardaí responded to a report of a burglary at around 1.40 am on 13 June. Upon arrival, officers found the front door of Diamond Heaven had been forced open and jewellery had been taken from the front window display.
Garda Sandis Sliwa told the court that CCTV footage showed a single individual breaking into the premises, resulting in an estimated €5,000 in damage. Hanratty, who reportedly matched the individual seen in the footage, was later located near St Stephen’s Green with a box containing jewellery, estimated to be worth €100,000, beside him. He was arrested at the scene.
Court Proceedings
Hanratty did not respond when the charges were put to him and has not entered a plea. Garda Sliwa objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and potential witness interference.
The defence, led by solicitor Holly Laher, noted the presumption of innocence and stated that the accused would comply with bail conditions, including a curfew. Laher said her client had family support in the area and access to homeless services. Garda Sliwa, however, raised concerns about the suitability of the proposed accommodation.
Judge John King refused bail and remanded Hanratty in custody. The court was informed that the case is expected to be referred to a higher court pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Related Allegation
Hanratty also faces charges related to an earlier alleged incident at a Nando’s restaurant on St Andrew’s Street on 23 May. It is claimed he entered the premises shortly after 3 am, attempted to access tills and lockers, and removed food items. The damage caused was reported to be valued at €1,300. CCTV footage from that incident allegedly shows the accused with his face clearly visible.
Considerations for Jewellers
The incident highlights the exposure of high-value stock in window displays, particularly outside trading hours. Jewellers may wish to assess the adequacy of their current security arrangements, including entry point reinforcement, surveillance systems, and response procedures.
