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Burglar claimed he was a plumber when confronted by security
Summary
A burglar who claimed to be a plumber when confronted by a security guard after breaking into an office building and damaging two cars has been jailed for 17 months. Patrick Lynch (51) of Rosemount Glade, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to burglary and damage to an interior door at L Building, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 on February 8, 2025. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage to cars in the basement of the building. Lynch, who has previous convictions, including seven for burglary, was caught by security guards after breaking into the building. One guard saw Lynch on CCTV with a brick and an implement, while the other encountered him in the basement. Lynch told the guard he was a plumber and had left his access card elsewhere. A Tesla and a BMW were damaged in the basement. The car owners did not prepare victim impact statements. Lynch's defense said he had gone downhill after his wife's death and was trying to fund his addiction to pills. He is receiving medical attention in custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Burglar claimed he was a plumber when confronted by security. Charges or matters: burglary and damage to an interior door at L Building, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 on February 8, 2025; two counts of criminal damage to cars in the basement of the building. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 8, 2025 Incident
- 2026-07-06 Publication
Why: He said these offences had been an attempt to fund his addiction to pills. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary and damage to an interior door at L Building, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 on February 8, 2025; two counts of criminal damage to cars in the basement of the building (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said Lynch needed funds on the morning and entered the building to steal. Judge Nolan imposed a 17-month sentence.
Places mentioned
- Harcourt Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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