‘Reform of burglar should be facilitated’
A man who has spent almost half his life in prison has been given a suspended prison sentence for a burglary ‘spree’.
Dean Barrett of Mountain Road, Tubbercurry had previously pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary in the Tubbercurry area in 2017.
At a court sitting last year Barrett admitted entering 20 Highfield between December 21st and December 28th, 2017 and stealing a 32 inch LG television. He further admitted entering 44 Connolly Park in the town on February 17 th last and stealing a Mira shower head, oil burner, oil heater and drill.
Barrett also pleaded guilty to entering 39 Cnoc Na Sí with the intention of committing theft.
A guilty plea was also previously entered on a charge of entering 1, Masshill Rd between February 6 th and 20 th 2018 and stealing copper items.
He also admitted two counts of burglary relating to number two and number three Masshill on the same dates and also with stealing copper items.
Judge Francis Comerford had previously directed that if Barrett provided urinalysis which showed him to be drug free he would suspend the entirety of prison terms.
Mr Keith O’Grady BL (defending), instructed by Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor said Barrett’s urinalysis was negative and that he had gone ‘cold turkey’ for the first time.
The court was told that Barrett was currently serving a 27 month prison term and is due for release on December 14 th next. Certificates of Barrett’s achievements and engagement with services while in prison were also handed into the court and described as ‘impressive’ by the judge. Judge Comerford told the court that the crimes did warrant a prison sentence, however, he was of the view that reform should be facilitated.
Barrett received one year prison sentence on each of the six counts, two of which were consecutive and all were suspended.
The provisions of the suspensions were that Barrett remains under the supervision of the Probation Service for a period of two years, comply with urinalysis if directed and to keep the peace.
“You’re at risk if it doesn’t work out for you,” indicated Judge Comerford.