Courts / Dublin / Report

Serial burglar 'violated' family home after drug clinic impacted by Covid

Summary

In a sentencing hearing on 24 February 2021, Judge Melanie Greally imposed a four‑and‑a‑half‑year prison term on 65‑year‑old burglar Patrick McCann, with the final 12 months suspended. McCann, who had 73 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to breaking into a family home on South Circular Road on 21 May 2020. The homeowners, who lost heirlooms and personal items, testified that their sense of security had been severely damaged, describing an "acute sense of violation" and a heightened vulnerability. McCann, a heavy drug user, had been unable to attend a drug‑services clinic due to Covid‑19 restrictions and admitted taking a large number of tablets on the day of the burglary, claiming limited recollection. The judge accepted a letter of apology from McCann and noted his engagement with prison education and art. The suspended period is conditional on probation engagement for 18 months and good behaviour for two years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Serial burglar 'violated' family home after drug clinic impacted by Covid. Charges or matters: burglary of the house on South Circular Road on May 21, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 21, 2020 Incident
• 2021-02-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report