Left his phone at scene of burglary

A TEENAGER who took part in a break-in at the premises of his former employer was told by Judge Brian O’Shea to pay compensation or face a term of imprisonment.

Darragh Browne (19) with addresses at Newbridge, Camolin and 74 Westbury, Stillorgan, admitted his part in the burglary at Mount Forest on May 20 last year.

He attended court with his mother and a staff member of the Tiglin rehabilitation centre in County Wicklow.

He also admitted having cocaine and cannabis with a total value of €220 at Corcannon in March of 2018.

The burglary dated back to May 20 in 2018 when gardaí were called around midnight to Mount Forest.

They found that a shed had been forced open, causing €50 worth of damage, and a quad bike removed.

The bike was recovered nearby and the gardaí also discovered an abandoned car at the scene.

It appeared that the intruders had attempted to steal the quad to take them home after the car broke down.

The defendant left his mobile phone at the scene and he was identified in due course on CCTV.

Judge O’Shea was not impressed to learn that Browne had carried out farm work for the 76-year-old householder who was left concerned for his security in the wake of the burglary.

This was a breach of trust, the court concluded.

The judge acknowledged that Browne, now three months in Tiglin, was making significant efforts to rehabilitate himself.

He was allowed until the court sitting of April 15 next year to collect €500 in compensation.

Once the money is paid, no conviction will be recorded but, if he fails to find the money, then he will receive a four month prison sentence.