Courts / Tipperary / Report
"Career burglar" with 204 previous convictions has jail term cut by two years
Summary
George Hackett, a 39-year-old man with over 200 previous convictions, had his six-year jail sentence reduced to four years and six months on appeal. Hackett was found guilty of burglary and two attempted theft charges after breaking into a house and stealing a Revolut card. During the burglary, he threatened to use a knife when restrained by a neighbor. The Court of Appeal noted that the original sentence was too harsh and that Hackett's rehabilitation efforts should have been considered. The court acknowledged the aggravating factors, including the burglary at a dwelling and the threat of violence, but also recognized Hackett's willingness to engage in rehabilitation. The new sentence includes six months suspended, and Hackett is encouraged to seek help to break the cycle of criminality.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Career burglar" with 204 previous convictions has jail term cut by two years. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 3, 2024 Incident
- December 19, 2024 Incident
- 2025-11-25 Publication
Why: Hackett's sentencing hearing was told that the victim of the burglary returned home shortly before 5pm on the date in question and found herself unable to open the front door fully because of an obstruction within the house. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to six years in prison by judge Colin Daly at Limerick Circuit Court on December 19, 2024. Quashing Hackett's sentence at the Court of Appeal today and resentencing him to four years and six months with the final six months suspended, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said there must be some reasonable prospect of "breaking the cycle of criminality", not only for the benefit of the accused but also for society.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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