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Burglar who broke into church lived law-abiding life until marriage breakdown, judge told

Summary

Paul Gibbons, 48, pleaded guilty to burglary and two counts of criminal damage after breaking into St Paul's Church, Avrfield, Dublin 13, on 20 March 2020. He had 59 prior convictions and was on bail when the offence occurred. Garda evidence included CCTV footage, a spade found in the parish centre, damage to two doors costing €320.20, and a blood‑like substance that matched DNA taken from Gibbons at Coolock Garda Station. The judge noted that Gibbons had lived a law‑abiding life until his marriage ended in 2017, after which his drug use increased. He expressed remorse, offered to pay for the door damage, and the court ordered probation, urine analysis and a governor's report, with the case adjourned until 28 July.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Burglar who broke into church lived law-abiding life until marriage breakdown, judge told. Charges or matters: one count of burglary and two counts of criminal damage at St Paul's Church, Avrfield, Dublin 13, on March 20, 2020. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• March 20, 2020 Incident
• July 28 Adjournment
• 2023-06-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report