Broke into the house next door and stole

A woman who admitted breaking into the house next door and stealing items was remanded on bail to April to allow for the preparation of a probation report.

Before Tubbercurry District Court was Patricia Geraghty ( 35) of 8 Mountain View who admitted entering number 7 as a trespasser on February 18th 2015 and attempting to commit theft and also between October 18th and 19th 2014.

She also admitted a charge of entering 53 Mountain View on February 18th 2015 and attempt to commit theft.

Inspector Padraic Burke said the defendant had twice entered number 7 which was vacant at the time. Entry was gained by the breaking of a rear window and by an open back door. Some of the items taken were found at the defendant’s home. Amongst the goods taken from the house next door were a television, hoover, stereo, ladder and clothes worth about € 1,200. Nothing was taken from number 53.

Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor ( defending) said the defendant had her own difficulties and was under care. She wasn’t of full mind when she committed the offences. Asked what became of the items which were not recovered, the defendant told the court that she sold them. She said she got very little for them, about € 40.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said he had in mind a figure of € 400 in compensation for the house owner for the goods not returned.

The Judge asked the defendant how long it would take her to come up with € 400 and she replied it could be two years.

Mr McGovern said it may be the case that the figure of the goods outstanding might bot be € 400 and this could be verified with the Gardaí.

Mr McGovern added that the defendant wasn’t in the greatest of circumstances.

Judge Kilrane asked the defendant what her difficulty was. “Alcohol,” she replied. “Are you drinking now?” - Judge. “No” - defendant. “When did you last have a drink?” - Judge. “Last week”- defendant. In reply to the Judge, Sergeant John Barry said the owner of number 7 Mountain View lived in Scotland and the house was being rented.

Geraghty was remanded on bail to April 26th for monitoring and also for a probation report relating to her background and treatment.