Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman in knife burglary of elderly neighbour's home
Summary
Michelle O'Leary, aged 31, broke into the home of a 90‑year‑old neighbour in St Peter's Court, Phibsborough, by pretending to be a police officer and demanding money. She produced a knife, took €60 from the victim's pocket, dropped the weapon and fled. The victim identified her and she was arrested at her mother's apartment, where she was not supposed to be staying. O'Leary pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, production of a knife and making a false statement to Gardaí on 15 April 2021. She has 30 prior convictions for robbery, assault and theft. She has been remanded in custody since the arrest and is scheduled for sentencing in February 2022. The case was adjourned by Judge Melanie Greally to allow time for reports and she remains in custody until the hearing. The victim's family is seeking a nursing home placement for the neighbour. The incident was described as swift and frightening by Garda Kelly Mannion.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman in knife burglary of elderly neighbour's home. Charges or matters: aggravated burglary, production of a knife and making a statement to suggest she was a member of An Garda Siochána on April 15, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 15, 2021 Adjournment
- February 2, 2022 Adjournment
- 2021-12-15 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: aggravated burglary, production of a knife and making a statement to suggest she was a member of An Garda Siochána on April 15, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A woman who broke into her 90-year-old neighbour's home after banging on his door and pretending to be the police will be sentenced next February.; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to allow her time to consider various reports and remanded O'Leary in continuing custody until February 2, 2022.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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