Courts / Louth / Report

Home owner attacked after catching serial burglar

Summary

Daniel Leonard, 32, of Barton Park, Dundalk, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to theft, assault and burglary at a residential premises on Chapel St, Dundalk, on 28 June 2020. He was caught by the homeowner moments after stealing a bicycle, a car key and a power drill, and then began to throw punches at the homeowner before being restrained and arrested. Leonard, who has five previous burglary convictions, appealed the severity of his sentence at Trim Circuit Criminal Court. In his appeal, his lawyers conceded that he had been detained in the street by the homeowner and that he had been drug‑addicted for several years at the time of the offence. The Court of Appeal, hearing submissions from both sides, found no error in principle in the original sentencing and dismissed the appeal. Leonard's sentence of three years remains in force, with no reduction or suspension granted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Home owner attacked after catching serial burglar. Charges or matters: theft, assault and burglary at a residential premises on Chapel St, Dundalk, on June 28, 2020. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• June 28, 2020 Incident
• 2022-02-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report