Kerry man found in garden shed with knife is sentenced to one month
The KerrymanA man found in a garden shed with a knife has been sentenced at Tralee District Court to one month for a trespassing offence.
Tralee District Court heard that Blake Sweeney (27) of 45 Connolly Park, Tralee, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2019, had been wandering for days before the trespassing offence.
Mr Sweeney was found in a garden shed at 9.30am on September 11 at Carigeendaniel Estate in Caherslee, Tralee.
Detective Sgt Chris Manton told the court that Mr Sweeney was not threatening or violent when found.
“He said he was looking for his father’s address,” Sgt Manton stated, adding. “He was subsequently found in possession of a knife, a pen knife judge, a small knife”.
In addition serving a sentence for manslaughter, Mr Sweeney’s previous convictions also included assault and burglary.
“I suppose Mr Sweeney has fallen on hard times since his release from prison,” solicitor Brendan Ahern told the court. “He had been sleeping rough for three or four days. He happened upon an unlocked shed.”
“There was no confrontation, Mr Ahern continued. “He left when he was asked to leave. He was essentially just looking for a roof over his head.
“Obviously, there’s a serious conviction there, that can’t be ignored. He has served that sentence.”
He noted that Mr Sweeney’s aunt was present in court to provide support and that his mother and aunt were prepared to help him get psychiatric treatment.
Mr Sweeney has been detained since his arrest on September 11, 2025.
“He was in prison for two weeks and he hasn’t found it easy judge, not that he should have,” said Mr Ahern.
He added his client was “totally non-violent” in this incident.
Sgt Manton noted it was not known that Mr Sweeney had a knife until his bag was searched.
Judge Catherine Ryan sentenced the defendant to one month for trespassing.
“He was not necessarily there for a nefarious reason,” she said. “On that basis, I will convict one month for trespassing.”