Broke into US tourists’ car and stole cash, items

TWO American tourists had their car broken into as they stopped off to visit one of the county’s famous beauty spots.

The two female tourists had parked their car at Carrowkeel to see the passage tombs there having travelled from Westport on October 2nd last.

On their way up the narrow road to the scenic area they met with Patrick McDonagh (21) of 5 Tara Court, Castlebar who was travelling in the opposite direction.

The women asked him if they could drive further on and he told them to park right up at the top. The women weren’t sure if they could drive past a gate.

One of the tourists, Julie McKeon told the court they had checked out of one hotel and were on their way to another so they had all their belongings with them in their car.

They began their hike to the tombs and looked behind them to see that the red car which McDonagh had been in, turn and come back down the road towards their car.

It made them feel wary but they continued on. When they returned to their car they found that a window had been smashed and all of their belongings taken.

McDonagh pleaded guilty to handling stolen cash in the amount of €650 at Ash Lane along with a charger for a Nikon camera, a charger for a Fit Bit and a black camera lead at Ash Lane on October 2nd last.

Co-accused, Sarah Ward (24) of the same address, admitted handling $663 along with the chargers at Ash Lane.

Detective Garda Chris O’Neill told Sligo District Court last Thursday that the tourists were returning to the US on the Sunday.

Judge Kevin Kilrane ordered that the chargers and money be returned tot he tourists.

The court was told McDonagh did not have any previous convictions while Ward had one previous conviction for theft, dating from June 2014 when she was fined €50.

Addressing the tourists, Judge Kevin Kilrane said it was unfortunate what had happened to them and said some of their property was being returned to them.

Mr Tom MacSharry, solicitor (for McDonagh) pleaded that he wished to apologies most sincerely.

One of the tourists was visibly shaking her head as Mr MacSharry offered the apology.

Judge Kilrane commented that a more meaningful apology would be the return of all of their property such as all of the camera lenses.

Det Garda O’Neill said that with the co-operation of the defendant, jewellery, backpacks and personal items had been returned to the women and all that was now outstanding was four camera lenses.

Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor (for Ward) said the defendant wasn’t at the location of the thefts and was not in McDonagh’s car.

Judge Kilrane released the defendants on their own bail with conditions to appear for sentencing at Sligo District Court on November 29 th next.