A judge has expressed surprise at the prosecution and trial of a man over the alleged theft of Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Judge Anthony Halpin said "you couldn't make it up" when the case came before him at Dublin District Court.

He adjourned it for trial on a later date before the non-jury court.

The accused, Anthony O'Connell (41), denies stealing the eggs from a city centre super-market.

Mr O'Connell, of Meath Place, Dublin 8, pleaded not guilty to stealing a box of Cadbury Creme Eggs that were worth €3.

The theft is alleged to have happened at Lidl on Moore Street on March 9.

Defence solicitor Claire Barry said the accused was seeking a date for hearing.

Judge Halpin read the charge sheet before him and said: "Three state witnesses, him, a judge and a solicitor, for a Cadbury's Creme Egg?

"You couldn't make this stuff up.

"Is it the chicken or the egg which came first anyway?"

The case was adjourned to a date in July and the defendant was remanded on continuing bail.

Herald