Suspended sentence for checking car and house doors in Portlaoise

A man who stuck his hand into letter boxes and got into a car in Portlaoise was given a suspended sentence. 

John Kavanagh, 46, of 7 Meadow Court, Kildare Town, admitted interfering with cars, trespass and burglary at Liogard, Portlaoise on February 4 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the burglary charges arose from the accused putting his hands into two letter boxes and no entry was gained. He said the defendant had been interfering with several vehicles on the date in question at 5.30am. He said the man got into one of the vehicles which was unlocked. 

Sgt Kirby told the sitting of Portlaoise District  Court that the defendant, who has four previous convictions, was identified on CCTV. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client who had previously worked as a butcher has difficulty with alcohol. He said the man had been drinking in Portarlington and got a train to go home but off at the wrong stop, Portlaoise on the date in question.

He said the man met another individual and “in their wisdom” they tried to access cars to get home. 

“He has indicated to me, it is plain and simple, he is guilty,” said Mr Fitzgerald.  He told the court the crime wasn’t premeditated in anyway. 

He said the man was engaging with services for mental health and he had a letter from his wife who was supporting him. 

Judge Andrew Cody imposed a one month sentence which he suspended for two years.