Courts / Dublin / Report

Homeless man broke into home of historically important State documents

Summary

In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Paddy Lynch, a 36‑year‑old homeless man from Ashlawn Court, Bray, pleaded guilty to one count of trespass and criminal damage after breaking into the General Register Office on Werburgh Street, Dublin, on 9 May. Lynch entered the closed building shortly after midnight, triggered an alarm, broke an electronic gate and damaged an internal security door with a metal object. He claimed he was looking for a place to sleep. Garda Greg Moroney reported that Lynch was intoxicated and a needle was found nearby. The damage amounted to €8,000, with the electronic gate alone costing €7,000 to repair. No documents were harmed. Lynch, who has prior convictions for burglary and theft, has remained in custody. Judge Melanie Greally ordered a Probation Services report and adjourned the case to 23 February.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Homeless man broke into home of historically important State documents. Charges or matters: one count of trespass and criminal damage at the office on Werburgh Street, Dublin on May 9 this year. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 9 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 23 Adjournment
• 2020-12-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Stage Hearing Or Decision Theft

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Read the original CNI report