Dad who handled stolen tools anxious to avoid jail in order to attend child’s first communion
A man who handled stolen construction tools at a Dublin market begged a judge not to jail him so he could attend his child’s first holy communion.
Patrick Maughan (37) was reckless as to whether the tools were stolen, his lawyer said.
Judge Cephas Power convicted and sentenced Maughan to four months in prison.
The defendant, with an address at St McCullen’s Park in Balbriggan, admitted to handling a stolen hand drill, electric saw, electric screwdriver, metal pipe cutter, industrial charger, scaffolding, plate compactor and a turf-cutter.
The incident took place at Balbriggan Sunday Market on January 28 of last year.
The court heard that Maughan had 46 previous convictions.
Swords District Court heard that Maughan, a married father of five children, had a limited education.
His lawyer asked the judge not to jail Maughan, saying that his child’s communion was soon and he was anxious to attend.
Gardaí had the tools, and they would be returned to the owner, the court heard.
Recognisances were set for an appeal.