Drunk burglar who mistook stranger’s home for sister’s is jailed – ‘I’m an eejit’

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

A Wexford man who entered a stranger’s home in the early hours of the morning, believing it was his sister’s house, has been jailed.

Cathal Doyle (36), of Tomnahealy, Castletown, Gorey, Co Wexford, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court for sentencing, after pleading guilty to one count of burglary.

Sergeant Mick Dee told the court that the accused entered a home through the front door of a house in Derreen Drive, Wicklow town.

While inside, Mr Doyle began calling for his sister before being met by the occupant of the home, who had heard a noise and made her way downstairs.

The court heard that Mr Doyle fled the scene but was identified after the complainant provided a description to gardaí.

Mr Doyle has multiple previous convictions, including one for burglary.

Barrister for the defendant, Thomas Finnerty, instructed by solicitor Therese Kearney, told the court that it was his client’s genuine belief that he was in his sister’s home when he entered the hallway of the property.

He noted that Mr Doyle has severe alcohol issues, along with an underlying brain injury, and is currently seeking a neurological diagnosis.

Defence counsel further stated that Mr Doyle admitted what he had done during garda interview and maintained that he never intended to steal anything.

“It was a genuine belief that it was his sister’s house,” said Mr Finnerty.

The court was told that during interview Mr Doyle had stated : “I’m an eejit, I was drunk.”

Judge David Kennedy said that the incident occurred at approximately quarter to five in the morning, with him adding that a stranger had entered the home of a person who did not know him, stating: “It must have been terrifying.”

The judge imposed a sentence of 10 months’ imprisonment. Mr Finnerty asked that the sentence be suspended.

However Judge Kennedy refused, due to the circumstances of the offence, including that it occurred in the middle of the night and the shock caused to the occupant of the house.