Courts / Longford / Report
Serial burglar replied "good" when told of garda call
Summary
A man from Edgeworthstown in Longford has received a partially suspended sentence after pleading guilty to trespassing with intent to commit an offence at a Dublin residence. James Smith (35) of Mostrim Oaks, Ballymahon Road, entered a house on Bloomfield Avenue on October 4, 2015, where he told the occupants that someone was pursuing him. When the homeowners informed him that gardaí were en route, he replied "good". At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Smith to three and a half years imprisonment, crediting 17 months already served in custody and suspending the remainder. The court heard Smith had broken a kitchen window and admitted seeking to steal items to sell, stating he needed money urgently and was unaware anyone was home. Nothing was taken from the property. Smith carries 116 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary. The judge cited his guilty plea, difficult personal circumstances including brain damage, and addiction history as mitigating factors, while noting the window damage and impact on the family as aggravating elements.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial burglar replied "good" when told of garda call. Charges or matters: trespass with intent to commit an offence at Bloomfield Avenue, Dublin, on October 4, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 4, 2015 Incident
- 2018-10-22 Publication
Why: The man shouted back up the stairs that he needed help and this was good because someone was after him. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: trespass with intent to commit an offence at Bloomfield Avenue, Dublin, on October 4, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Smith to three and a half years imprisonment, but gave him credit for 17 months he had already spent in custody and suspended the remainder of the sentence. Judge Codd suspended the remainder of the sentence on condition that Smith engage with probation services, attend drugs counselling, and keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period of two years.
Places mentioned
- Mostrim
- Ballymahon
- Ballymahon Road
- Edgeworthstown
- Longford
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Bloomfield Avenue
- Dublin
Topics
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