Jail for burglar who put woman and child in fear

A 38-year-old Wexford town man who left a woman and child frightened in her own home as he carried out a burglary has been handed a prison sentence.

Before Wexford Circuit Criminal Court was Patrick Connors, now of no fixed abode, who pleaded guilty to carrying out a burglary at the home of Christina Grary, Bayview Drive, Wexford, on February 11 last year.

Garda Trevor Buckley told the court of having been called to the house by Ms Gray. He said the defendant was subsequently arrested not far from the house

Garda Buckley told the court that Christina Gray said that after she had gone to bed at around 11.15 p.m. she heard a bang outside, followed by a louder bang with glass breaking. When she looked down from the landing she could see that the kitchen door was open.

Ms Gray. said Garda Buckley, found a piece of wood and also shouted that the gardai had been contacted. The gardai arrived shortly afterwards.

Garda Buckley said that when he arrived at the house he found that both the back window and the door between the kitchen and utility room had been broken.

Garda Buckley said that while he was en-route he came across Patrick Connors who had a torch as well as drugs in his possession. The defendant also admitted that a screwdriver found at the scene was his, but he refused to admit he had any further part in the burglary.

Garda Buckley said Connors is a heroin addict with 63 previous convictions.

Defence Counsel, Riannagh Morris, agreed that at the time of the offence the defendant suffered from a heroin addiction. While he did not make an admission at the time, he did admit to the crime at an early stage in court, she said.

Ms Morris said that while there was some damage to the property, nothing was taken from the house. She said that while the defendant does have a large number of previous convictions this was his first time before the Circuit Court.

She said it was a very serious offence and that Ms Gray and her son had been left seriously affected and frightened by what had happened.

The defendant, she said, has a drug problem and is now homeless. He has two children and is very close to his family. He is remorseful, and apologises to Ms Gray for his actions.

Judge Hickson said that a report before the court deems the defendant at high risk of re-offending. Connors, he said, has also used heroin and crack cocaine

While the defendant acknowledged the offence and the seriousness of it, Judge Hickson said there cannot be anything more disconcerting than a burglary in ones own home.

The Judge said that the woman was in her own home with her five-year-old son, and that the situation could have gotten far worse and out of control. This has haunted her and continues to haunt her, he said.

He said the appropriate sentence is three years, with the final fifteen months suspended.

He also said he would backdate the sentence to February 11 last as the defendant has been in custody since then.

He ordered Connors to co-operate with the Probation and Welfare services and abide by what instructions they may give.

He also ordered the defendant to enter into a bond of €100 for three years to keep the peace for that period.