Courts / Dublin / Report
Thief ransacked Law Society offices
Summary
Derek Hickey, aged 30, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing iPads and a laptop from the Law Society of Ireland on Blackhall Place, Dublin, on 17 July 2017. He entered through an ajar side door, stole the items, caused damage, and fled. The theft occurred after 6 pm when most staff had left. Maura Butler, who was working in her office, witnessed the intruder and later reported that he had fled after seeing her. CCTV identified Hickey, who was arrested the next day and admitted to the theft, stating he had sold the stolen items to a Chinese shop. He had previously spent four months in custody for this offence. The judge noted his long history of offending but also his guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. He had been offered a 20‑week residential rehabilitation programme and had attended treatment for heroin addiction. The sentence took into account the time already served.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Thief ransacked Law Society offices. Charges or matters: theft at the Law Society on Blackhall Place in Dublin on July 17, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 17, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-04-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: theft at the Law Society on Blackhall Place in Dublin on July 17, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Martin Nolan said Hickey had "spotted an opportunity" when he noticed that a side door at the Law Society was ajar. "He stole certain items, did a deal of damage, and then did the proper thing for a burglar when confronted – he retreated and got out," said the judge. Hickey was sentenced to 18 months in prison, taking into account the four months he has already spent in custody on this matter.
Places mentioned
- Sean McDermott Street
- Dublin
- Blackhall Place
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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