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Burglar who broke into warehouse claims he had no intention of stealing
Summary
Darren Foster, 44, pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage after breaking into a warehouse in the Dublin Industrial Estate on the night of 9 July 2023. He used a forklift to lift security doors and caused extensive damage to the interior, including cutting telecom lines and damaging tools stored in a secure area. The warehouse, operated by St Micheal's House for the HSE, suffered about €4,400 in damage. Foster was found in a van near the site, covered by a blanket, and was arrested while on bail. He claimed he had no intention to steal but wanted to draw attention to an alleged debt. The court, noting his prior convictions and current sentence, imposed an additional 10‑month sentence consecutive to his existing term, extending his custody until July 2025. No victim impact statement was presented. The case highlighted Foster's addiction issues and his recent detox and volunteer work in custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Burglar who broke into warehouse claims he had no intention of stealing. Charges or matters: charges of burglary and criminal damage on July 9, 2023, at a commercial premises in the Dublin Industrial Estate. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 9, 2023 Incident
- July 2025 Incident
- July 2023 Other
- 2024-02-29 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: charges of burglary and criminal damage on July 9, 2023, at a commercial premises in the Dublin Industrial Estate (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imposing sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said he "didn't know what to make" of Foster's instructions to his counsel, adding if it was true, then it was "truly bizarre". He said Foster "deserves an extension" to his period in custody and imposed a 10-month sentence consecutive to Foster's current sentence.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Industrial Estate
- St Micheal's House
Topics
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