Courts / Dublin / Report

Burglar climbed court wall after arrest to escape custody

Date
2025-10-21

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Michael Tuite and Patrick Morgan for their roles in the burglary of six commercial units at Premier Business Park, Ballycoolin, and a subsequent high-speed chase. Both men entered signed guilty pleas to six counts of burglary and possession of an implement with intent. Tuite additionally pleaded guilty to endangerment, unauthorised taking of a vehicle, and unlawful escape from custody, while Morgan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and allowing himself to be carried in a vehicle without consent. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Tuite to six years' imprisonment and disqualified him from driving for six years. The judge noted Morgan was less culpable and imposed a five-year sentence. Both defendants were directed to receive credit for time spent in custody. The court heard that Tuite escaped custody by climbing a wall at Blanchardstown District Court, dropping 15ft, before being apprehended nearby. Morgan's detention was suspended due to his level of intoxication. The judge described Tuite's driving as "pretty disgraceful" and noted both men were aggressive during arrest. Mitigation included their guilty pleas, expressions of remorse, and efforts to address addiction issues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Burglar climbed court wall after arrest to escape custody. Charges or matters: endangerment, unauthorised taking of a vehicle and unlawful escape from custody; assault causing harm and allowing himself to be carried in a vehicle without the consent of the owner or without other lawful authority. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

February 7 Incident
February 10 Incident
2025-10-21 Publication

Case subjects

Michael Tuite

Defendant

Charges: endangerment, unauthorised taking of a vehicle and unlawful escape from custody; assault causing harm and allowing himself to be carried in a vehicle without the consent of the owner or without other lawful authority (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He handed Tuite a sentence of six years and disqualified him from driving for six years.

Patrick Morgan

Defendant

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Nolan said Morgan was less culpable and imposed a five-year sentence. The witness agreed with Oisin Clarke BL, defending Morgan, that his client's detention was suspended due to his level of intoxication.