Courts / Dublin / Report
Man jailed for burgling neighbour's home while she was on holiday
Summary
Piotr Doening, a 42-year-old man, was jailed for six years for burglary and possessing over €260,000 worth of drugs. Doening stole from his neighbour's home while she was on holiday, breaking into the house out of desperation after losing his job. The court heard that Doening had previously been caught with 37 cannabis plants, cannabis herb, and amphetamines at his home. Gardai obtained a warrant after aerial footage detected a high heat source in the attic, leading to the discovery of the drugs. Doening pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, and attempted theft. His neighbour discovered the break-in after receiving a notification that her Revolut card had been used. A large amount of property, including a television, sound system, jewellery, and €100 in cash, was stolen. Doening admitted to hiding most of the stolen property and returning everything but the cash. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that the burglary represented a breach of trust and acknowledged Doening's remorse and efforts to deal with his drug addiction.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man jailed for burgling neighbour's home while she was on holiday. Charges or matters: having the drugs for sale or supply at his home on November 10, 2024; burglary, theft and attempted theft on August 19, 2025. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 10, 2024 Incident
- August 19, 2025 Incident
- 2026-04-15 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: having the drugs for sale or supply at his home on November 10, 2024; burglary, theft and attempted theft on August 19, 2025 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Sheahan acknowledged that Doening is the father of two young girls and accepted that his prison sentence will be "a challenging time" for his family. She imposed consecutive sentences of seven and half years.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft
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