A man who repeatedly entered a church where he stole money which was given by parishioners to light candles for intentions, was sentenced to six months in jail this week for this “mean offence”.
Castlebar District Court heard on Wednesday, that on four dates in 2004, Brendan Martyn, Lower Camus, Camus, Co Galway, entered St Patrick’s’ Church, Islandeady, where he stole money from the candelabras.
On September 9 he stole €15, September 15 he stole €130, November 24 he stole €30, and on December 9 he stole €200. Criminal damage caused on each occasion to the candelabra was €25.
CCTV was installed in the church where the defendant was recognised, and when questioned he admitted his involvement.
Martyn, who is 30 next month, represented himself. He told the court that he was living in Galway at the time and drove to Mayo to commit these offences as “my life was upside down”, due to ‘family problems” and a “drink problem”. The defendant is now back living with his family with two children, is engaged and intends to start work with the trawlers in Donegal. He has no previous convictions.
Judge Mary Devins said that this was a “mean offence” as the defendant came all the way from Galway to “steal a few pennies”. The judge said that since 2005, the defendant has been “ducking and diving” from appearing in court, and Judge Devins said to Martyn: “I think you’re in need of a dose of reality.” The judge convicted and sentenced him to a total of six months in prison for the criminal damage and theft charges.
