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"I should have done something basic and got him a card," serial burglar told gardai

Summary

James McGinley, aged 40, was arrested after plain‑clothes gardai spotted him walking with a fire extinguisher in the early hours. He pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage at Fitzwilliam Square West, Dublin, on the night of 29–30 July 2017. McGinley and a co‑accused broke into a Georgian building housing several businesses, using a fire extinguisher to force open office doors. Six laptops and a mobile phone were taken; a solicitor's office was ransacked but no items were removed. The total damage was €2,500. McGinley admitted he needed money for a relative's birthday and said he should have bought a card instead. He was sentenced by Judge Cormac Quinn to three years' imprisonment, with the final six months suspended, and is currently in custody. The co‑accused awaits sentencing in the District Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "I should have done something basic and got him a card," serial burglar told gardai. Charges or matters: burglary and criminal damage at Fitzwilliam Square West, Dublin 2, on the night of July 29 to 30th, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 29 Incident
• 2017-12-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report