A burglar with an “appalling record” who stole over €2,000 worth of property, including a laptop, camera, and a TV, from two city homes was jailed for a total of 17 months when he appeared at Galway District Court last week.
Michael Barrett (30 ) with an address 14 Rahylin Glebe, Ballybane, but formerly of 53 Beal Srutha, Ballybane, was brought before Judge Mary Fahy last Wednesday and pleaded guilty to all charges which included: Trespassing with intent to commit burglary at 1 Dun Na Mara, Renmore, on March 30, 2008; trespassing to commit burglary and handling stolen property, namely an ACER laptop worth €1,400 and an Olympus camera, valued €350, at 1 Castleview Court, Ballybrit, on July 25, 2008; and driving without insurance or a driving licence and failure to produce both documents at Cois Na Coille, Ballybane, on March 23, 2008.
Detective Garda Edward McDonagh told the court that the defendant had broken into 1 Castleview Court and was arrested the following day. While being held in custody a number of the stolen items were handed in by members of his family. The property returned included the laptop and a camera. Det Garda McDonagh added that about €800 worth of the stolen property has not been recovered. For the offence on March 30 Garda McWalter told the court that the back door of an unoccupied family home was forced open and TVs were taken. He added that a 32’’ TV was recovered.
Barrett’s solicitor Olivia Traynor said that the defendant had been born in Ireland, left the education system at a young age, and went to England where he got married at 17 years old and had four children. Ms Traynor added that Barrett had been seriously addicted to heroin, owed a lot of money and the offences were committed to feed his habit. The defendant got a place on a Methadone programme last September.
“He knows this is very serious and that innocent people suffer... For the last 40 days he has been making strenuous efforts,” she said.
Inspector Mike Coppinger then told the court that the defendant had no previous convictions in this jurisdiction but had a “considerable” number in England which included drink driving, shoplifting, theft, and a number of burglary offences for which he received jail sentences.
“He spent most of his time in prison,” noted Judge Fahy who added that entering a person’s home was an infringement of their rights. She then imposed a total of 17 months in jail. Recognisance was fixed at €1,000 with independent surety of €3,000.
Also before Judge Fahy was his brother and co-accused, Sonny Barrett. The 19-year-old with an address at 53 Beal Srutha, Ballybane was charged with handling stolen property, namely a 32’’ Philips Television, at 1 Dun Na Mara, Renmore, on March 30, 2008.
The court heard how the TV was handed over a garden wall to the defendant, who has no previous convictions, and who did not enter the house.
Ms Traynor explained that there is an unrelated matter due before the court for assault. She said that Sonny Barrett had managed to complete his Junior Cert which is “quite an achievement”. Ms Traynor said that the defendant had been heavily into boxing but left it in 2006 and became involved in drugs and criminal activity. Garda McWalter agreed that the defendant’s role in the burglary was minor.
Judge Fahy then remanded him on continuing bail to November 24.
