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Office burglar was "homeless and desperate"

Summary

James McGinley, 38, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of breaking into office buildings between 30 January and 17 July 2014 and to criminal damage for three desks damaged during one burglary. He is already serving a two‑year sentence for two similar burglaries committed in 2014 and is due for release in April 2017. Garda Shane Behan reported that McGinley entered four office buildings at Fitzwilliam Square and Windsor Place in Dublin 2, either late at night or in the early morning, when the premises were empty. He stole approximately €1,100 in petty cash, 15 laptops, an iPad and personal belongings. McGinley was identified from CCTV footage and fingerprints were found at one scene. Defence counsel Anne‑Marie Lawlor described him as homeless, drug‑abusing, and "desperate" following a long‑term relationship breakdown.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Office burglar was "homeless and desperate". Charges or matters: four counts of breaking in to office buildings between January 30 and July 17, 2014; criminal damage in relation to three desks he damaged during one burglary. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 30 Incident
• July 17, 2014 Incident
• April 2017 Incident
• 2016-05-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report