Courts / Dublin / Report

Burglar caught after calling phone he left at crime scene

Date
2022-10-21
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A burglar, David Lynch, 50, was arrested after a garda rang a phone he had left at a burglary scene. The garda, Stephen White, answered the phone in plain clothes and arranged a meeting with Lynch, who claimed to have lost the phone. Lynch was identified as the owner and later convicted of possession of a knife, burglary, criminal damage and obstruction of a peace officer, receiving a sentence of three years and three months. Lynch has appealed, arguing that White failed to give a proper caution when meeting him. The appeal court heard that White believed Lynch was the culprit and that he should have identified himself and cautioned Lynch. The judge noted that while suspicion is not a reason to caution, a suspect should be identified and cautioned. The judgment was reserved for a later date.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Burglar caught after calling phone he left at crime scene. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: "Did he not caution him because he didn't want to discourage him from making an admission? CNI source report

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
Address Area
  • Leinster Road
Secondary Mention

Topics

Burglary Stage Appeal

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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