Burglar found rummaging through a rack of jackets is caught by homeowner
A ST Patrick’s Day celebrant who burgled a house on his way home was sentenced to 180 hours community service in Blanchardstown District Court.
Daniel O’Shaughnessy was found rummaging through a row of jackets by the homeowner. He fled but was later caught by the homeowner.
O’Shaughnessy, aged 29, with an address at Cherry Orchard Drive, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to burglary at an address at Fforster Square, Lucan, on March 17, 2018.
Garda Dominic Downing told Judge McHugh that the DPP had directed summary disposal only on a plea of guilty.
He told the court that on March 17 last, he had responded to a call that a homeowner had found an intruder in his house. He said the intruder had fled but the homeowner chased him and apprehended him.
Garda Downing said the injured party disturbed O’Shaughnessy when he was rummaging through a rack of jackets in the front hall of the house.
He said O’Shaughnessy has 17 previous convictions. On November 13, 2014, he was convicted of careless driving. On January 11, 2013, he received a three-year suspended sentence for possession of articles for use in theft.
O’Shaughnessy’s solicitor said her client had been highly intoxicated as he had been out celebrating St Patrick’s Day.
She said: “He was on his way home and was looking for shelter. The front door was unsecured at the time and he opened the door.”
Garda Downing confirmed that the front door had been unlocked. He said the house was duplex and there was one front door.
Judge McHugh said: “But he was rummaging through a row of jackets.”
He sentenced O’Shaugnessy to 180 hours community service in lieu of four months imprisonment and remanded him to a date in January for a community service report.
