Burglar left DNA evidence that was key to county Longford burglary conviction

Gardaí received a report that a burglary had occurred between March 13 and March 17 2024

A burglar who broke into a county Longford home and left bloodstains during the raid on the door and inside the property was connected to the crime by Gardaí when a swab taken from the scene was found to match his on the Garda DNA database.

Shane Kelly (36) of Midlands Prison, Dublin Road, Portlaoise pleaded guilty to a charge of trespassing to commit an offence at 9 Devine Crescent, Edgeworthstown between the dates of March 13, 2024 and March 17, last year.

Sergeant Enda McNulty, court presenter, said Gardaí received a report that a burglary had occurred at the premises.

"The injured party had been away for a few days and when she returned to the house she noticed the front door was broken.

"There was blood on her door and upstairs on the bedsheets and a number of electronic devices were taken including a Playstation 4 Playstation 5, an extension lead and a firestick.

"The scene was examined and on June 3rd a report from Forensic Science Laboratory indicated that a DNA swab that was taken at the scene matched that of the defendant."

Sgt McNulty said Mr Kelly was subsequently arrested and he was interviewed and he made full admissions.

The court heard apart from the front door there was no other damage to the house.

Judge Bernadette Owens asked if the victim wanted to make a victim impact statement and a short time later Sgt McNulty confirmed that she did not want to do so.

Mr Kelly had 23 previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, said at the time his client was under the influence of drugs and alcohol to an 'extreme degree' and he is currently in custody in the Midlands Prison for a separate matter.

"He acknowledges his grievous wrongdoing, his violation of the house and he has since taken steps to reform himself and get the addiction treatment to address his addiction issues."

Mr Gearty said Mr Kelly fully cooperated with Gardaí and he has offered an apology for his actions.

Judge Owens gave the defendant credit for his early guilty plea and his previous record, however, she stated it was a serious crime.

"The invasion of someone's private home is a very significant offence in my view and I would place it at the higher end of the burglary charge."

Judge Owens convicted Mr Kelly and sentenced him to six months in prison from the date of the court sitting last week.