Man pleads guilty to Carlingford burglaries

A 48-year-old man who pleaded guilty to two burglaries which occurred more than two years ago in Carlingford, has been remanded on continuing bail for a probation report.

The defendant, John McEvoy, 44 Market Street, Dundalk, has 56 previous convictions, and had been released from custody last Tuesday, the day before this court appearance.

Solicitor Niall Breen said the matters in question had been put back for reports. His client paid €300 compensation.

Sgt Fintan McGroder gave evidence that between 3.40pm and 3.50pm on 5 May, 2017, a man entered two separate private staff rooms at The Four Seasons Hotel. He stole cash and a handbag.

On the following 24 May at The Food House, Dundalk Street, a brown wallet was noticed missing from a private staff room.

McEvoy was subsequently identified as the culprit. He was brought back to the premises and he showed where he had placed the wallet which was recovered.

Sgt McGroder added the defendant’s previous convictions, the most recent of which was for an offence committed in January, 2018, were for burglaries, thefts and failing to appear in court. A number were from outside this jurisdiction.

Mr Breen agreed with a comment from the judge that there was ‘an underlying difficulty’. The solicitor added McEvoy had sought psychiatric help while in custody.

He was remanded on continuing bail to 15 January, 2020, for a probation report.