A Renmore man who received a suspended sentence this week for burglary has been warned to behave in future and not to use his personal problems as an excuse to commit crime.
Thomas Myers (37 ) with an address at 58 Murrough Drive, Renmore, appeared at Galway District Court on Monday charged with burglary at Friend’s Restaurant, Tuam Road, on November 22, 2009.
The court heard that Myers had pleaded guilty to the charge at a previous court sitting and that compensation totalling €1,175 had been paid to cover the money that was stolen from the restaurant. It was also revealed that the defendant’s co-accused had failed to turn up to court and a bench warrant had been issued.
Defence solicitor Sarah O’Dowd said that her client, who was married with five children, suffers from “quite serious” pshychological issues. Ms O’Dowd, who handed a GP report into court, then said that Myers has been suffering continuously, is taking medication every day, and is in receipt of disability allowance. She added that Myers has no previous conviction for burglary.
“The money was recovered because of this man’s co-operation,” noted Judge Mary Fahy.
Ms O’Dowd then explained that Myers’ illness is such that it “impairs his judgement” and that on the night in question he had had an argument with his partner and was extremely upset.
“He has to be on good behaviour, he can’t use his problems again and again,” warned Judge Fahy, who imposed a six month sentence suspended for 12 months on condition that he enter into a bond of €500 to be of good behaviour and not re-offend.
