Caretaker tackled chainsaw thief after Wicklow school break-in, court hears
The Wicklow PeopleA father who stole a chainsaw from a school in Bray received a 10-month sentence at Bray District Court.
Patrick Moorehouse (45), of Cooldross, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court after pleading guilty to one count of robbery.
The court was told that Mr Moorehouse entered an early plea so he could receive a sentence and change prisons.
The court heard that at 7.15am on October 14, 2025, Mr Moorehouse entered a school in Bray and took a chainsaw. The accused was observed by the school caretaker, who took a photo of Mr Moorehouse before following him on foot.
The defendant entered the Glenthorn estate, where he disposed of the chainsaw in a front garden before the caretaker caught up with him, tackled him to the ground and detained him until members of An Garda Síochána arrived and arrested Mr Moorehouse.
Commenting on the incident in October 2024, John Fitzgerald, community engagement superintendent at Bray Garda Station, said burglary-related crime, and those involved in it, remain “key targets for An Garda Síochána”.
The court heard Mr Moorehouse has 99 previous convictions.
The solicitor for Mr Moorehouse told the court that his client has addiction issues and began using drugs after finding his brother deceased. The court was told he failed to tackle his issues and spiralled after his father’s death some months later, which led to harder drug use.
Mr Moorehouse asked for leniency, stating he has a daughter who has never seen him sober. Counsel for the defence told the court that Mr Moorehouse is seeking a place in a rehabilitation facility for members of the Travelling community.
Judge David Kennedy described Mr Moorehouse’s life as “tragic”, noting the deaths in his family and his addiction issues.
Judge Kennedy stated that the defendant is no stranger to the court and that his previous convictions could not be ignored before handing down a sentence of 10 months, with the final six months suspended for a period of two years.