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Criminal asked for cigarette and bounded over six foot wall to escape custody
Summary
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Dubliner Michael McGinley to a global term of three years for escaping from lawful custody and unlawfully using a vehicle. McGinley pleaded guilty to both charges. The court heard that on April 23, 2024, while remanded at Balbriggan Garda Station, McGinley asked to be taken out for a cigarette. He subsequently ran and cleared a six-foot perimeter wall, evading capture for two months until his arrest in Athboy, Co Meath, on June 19, 2025. He also admitted to driving a Hyundai stolen from Co Kerry on April 21, 2025. Judge Orla Crowe noted that while the escape was not pre-planned or sophisticated, McGinley hid for a significant period. Acknowledging his youth and potential for rehabilitation, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions. She also directed 12 months of probation supervision following his release. The sentence was backdated to June 19, 2025, when he entered custody. The matter was finalised with the imposition of this sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Criminal asked for cigarette and bounded over six foot wall to escape custody. Charges or matters: escape from lawful custody; escaping from lawful custody; unlawful use of a vehicle without the consent of the owner on April 21, 2025. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 23 Adjournment
- June 19, 2025 Incident
- April 21, 2025 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 19 Incident
- 2026-04-24 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: escape from lawful custody; escaping from lawful custody; unlawful use of a vehicle without the consent of the owner on April 21, 2025 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imposing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said while McGinley's escape from lawful custody was not pre-planned or sophisticated, he managed to hide for a significant period of time before he was apprehended. She imposed a global sentence of three years, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.; The defendant was remanded into custody and taken to Balbriggan Garda Station.
Places mentioned
- Balbriggan
- Balbriggan District Court
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- and taken to Balbriggan Garda Station
- Balbriggan
- Ringfort Avenue
- Balrothery
- Dublin
Topics
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