Kerry woman avoids burglary conviction after selling €20,000 of her brother’s tools online
The KerrymanJudge applies the probation act after hearing of family dispute and financial strain
A north Kerry woman who sold €20,000 worth of her brother’s tools online avoided a burglary conviction when the facts of her case were heard at Listowel District Court on Thursday.
Mary Quille (46) of Curraghcroneen, Lixnaw, was charged with entering a building in Tarmons West, Moyvane as a trespasser to commit theft on May 1, 2024.
The court heard she took her brother’s tools, which were stored in the building, and sold them online.
“An unsuspecting buyer arrived and became suspicious,” Sergeant Stephen O’Brien told the court.
He noted some tools were recovered and the brother indicated he did not wish to pursue the matter further but the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions chose to prosecute.
Ms Quille had no previous convictions apart from road traffic charges.
“So we’ve gone from zero to 100,” observed judge David Waters.
Solicitor John Galvin noted his client is a mother of six children ages 20 and under, one of whom suffers from ill health. Her partner had left and she was tight on money at the time, said the solicitor.
Mr Galvin said there had been a disagreement between Ms Quille and her brother over their father’s estate. He understood the tools belonged to the estate and were sold to address its losses.
“That’s not the case,” said Sgt O’Brien. “The tools belonged to her brother.”
An inspector also confirmed the tools were not a part of the estate.
Taking into consideration the details of the case, the judge applied section 1.1 of the Probation Act.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme