Jail for man who broke into back garden sheds
By Declan Brennan
A man who broke into sheds behind houses in Co Kildare has received a partially suspended prison sentence of four years, reports Declan Brennan.
David Browne (41) of Lindisfarne Grove, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to eight counts of burglary at locations in Celbridge on dates in June 2017.
Garda Conor Morris told the court that residents in the Chelmsford and Simmonstown Manor housing estates began to report via social media break ins to rear sheds.
Browne was captured on CCTV footage belonging to one resident checking cars in the back of their home before jumping a fence and entering the shed.
Garda Morris said Browne took power tools from one shed and stole a laptop from another building which was being used as a business premises.
He has 171 previous convictions including 36 under the theft act, one for robbery and 108 road traffic offences.
In 2013 he received a four year prison sentence from Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for 11 theft offences committed in January and February 2012.
His lawyers told the court that Browne began using heroin at the age of 16.
They said he went out of his way to avoid confrontation with homeowners and would not break into the homes.
Judge Pauline Codd suspended the last 15 months of a four year prison term on condition he engage with The Probation Service after his release.
