Courts / Dublin / Report
Serial burglar once had "promising career in rugby"
Summary
Dean Heapes, 34, of Swords, Co Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to 10 burglaries of premises on South William Street, Dublin 2, committed on December 13, 2016. He also admitted to three further burglaries in the city between January 2017 and April 2018, as well as using a false instrument when attempting to cash a stolen cheque on Grafton Street in November 2016. The court heard that Heapes, who has ten previous burglary convictions, was captured on CCTV stealing 13 laptops during the initial incident, five of which were later recovered. Judge Karen O'Connor noted that while the offences were serious, Heapes had no history of violent offending. The judge considered his chronic drug addiction, difficult upbringing, and periods of homelessness, alongside his cooperation with gardai and expressed remorse. Judge O'Connor imposed consecutive sentences totalling five and a half years but suspended the final 18 months. She stated that Heapes has much to be hopeful for, including a supportive partner and young child, but warned that if he does not take this opportunity, he will spend the remainder of the sentence in prison.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial burglar once had "promising career in rugby". Charges or matters: 10 burglaries of premises at the building on South William Street, Dublin 2 on December 13, 2016; three further burglaries in the city on dates between January 2017 and April 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 13, 2016 Incident
- November 28, 2016 Incident
- January 2017 Incident
- April 2018 Incident
- 2019-10-11 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 10 burglaries of premises at the building on South William Street, Dublin 2 on December 13, 2016; three further burglaries in the city on dates between January 2017 and April 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She imposed consecutive sentences totalling five and a half years but suspended the final 18 months. "He has lots to be hopeful for in the future but if he does not take this opportunity he will spend the remainder of the sentence in prison," said Judge O'Connor.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- South William Street
- Grafton Street
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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