Courts / Dublin / Report
Man avoids jail for trying to break into homeless centre
Summary
Gary Murphy, 36, was sentenced to a fully suspended four‑year term after pleading guilty to attempted burglary and production of an article at Bentley House, a homeless care centre in Dun Laoghaire, on 14 March 2019. He had tried twice to force entry, once with a hammer‑bearing accomplice, and had threatened a resident. Murphy, who had 75 prior convictions and a history of alcohol misuse, claimed intoxication and that his intent was to obtain a "straightener" to settle an argument. The court noted his significant addiction issues, his role as a father, and a largely positive Probation Service report. The sentence was suspended on strict conditions, including compliance with Probation Service directions for two and a half years. No custodial time was imposed. The judge emphasised the outrageous nature of his conduct and the need for leniency given his circumstances.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man avoids jail for trying to break into homeless centre. Charges or matters: attempted burglary and production of an article at Bentley House, Dun Laoghaire, on March 14, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 14, 2019 Incident
- 2021-05-18 Publication
Why: In interview with gardaí following his arrest, Murphy said he was intoxicated and had gone to the house with the intention of a "straightener" in order to settle an argument. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempted burglary and production of an article at Bentley House, Dun Laoghaire, on March 14, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She sentenced Murphy to four years imprisonment, but suspended the sentence in its entirety on strict conditions including that he follow all directions of the Probation Service for two-and-a-half years. After passing sentence, Judge Codd told Murphy that she did not want to hear a thing from him and did not want him "to get so much as a speeding fine".
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