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'I no longer feel safe in my own home,' nun tells court after break-in by on-bail criminal with 346 previous convictions

Date
2026-05-14

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A former missionary nun, Sister Julie Doran, has told a court that she no longer feels safe in her own home after an on-bail criminal with 346 previous convictions broke into her retirement community. Keith Delaney (41) pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft, criminal damage, and burglary in Dublin between December 2024 and September 2025. Delaney, who has 346 previous convictions, including 142 theft and 50 criminal damage charges, was identified through CCTV footage and admitted to stealing items, including guitars and a phone, which he sold to fund his drug addiction. The court heard of multiple incidents, including breaking into a hotel room, stealing a laptop and tablet from a hotel, and entering a nursing home where he was seen in residents' bedrooms. Delaney was apprehended after several incidents, including one at a house where retired nuns reside. Sister Doran expressed her distress, stating that she no longer feels safe and has ongoing anxiety. Delaney is currently serving a nine-month sentence and is seeking rehabilitation. The court will consider a probation report before sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I no longer feel safe in my own home,' nun tells court after break-in by on-bail criminal with 346 previous convictions. Charges or matters: multiple counts of theft, one count of criminal damage and two counts of burglary at various locations around Dublin between December 2024 and September 2025. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 2024 Incident
September 2025 Incident
December 12, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
January 15, 2025 Other
August 6, 2025 Incident
September 1, 2025 Other
September 2026 Hearing Or Sentence
July 27 Adjournment
2026-05-14 Publication

Why: Det Gda Higgins agreed with defence counsel that his client left immediately upon the injured party waking up and that he committed thefts to fund his drug addictions. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Keith Delaney

Defendant

Charges: multiple counts of theft, one count of criminal damage and two counts of burglary at various locations around Dublin between December 2024 and September 2025 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He said Delaney is currently serving a nine-month sentence, with a release date of September 2026.; Judge Hayes adjourned the case until July 27 next and directed the preparation of a probation report.