Courts / Dublin / Report

Burglar spotted leaving site with wheelbarrow full of tools

Date
2026-02-27
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Ballymun
County
Dublin

Summary

Derek Smith received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty to burglary, criminal damage and theft at a Ballymun building site. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months for a year after hearing that the tools had been recovered following a search of Smith's address.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Burglar spotted leaving site with wheelbarrow full of tools. Charges or matters: burglary, criminal damage and theft at a building site in Ballymun, on November 27, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Derek Smith

Defendant

Charges: burglary, criminal damage and theft at a building site in Ballymun, on November 27, 2024 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe noted that Smith had made full admissions and apologised. Judge Crowe imposed a three-year sentence but suspended the final three months for a year to incentivise rehabilitation, which she said would be for the good of Smith, his family and society.

Places mentioned

Residence
Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence Theft

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