Man who left beer cans behind fined €200 for trespass at Longford property

A man who left his empty beer cans in the sitting room of the vacant property into which he trespassed, has been fined €200 with six months to pay.

Paul Kelly (30), with an address at 23 Hazel Grove, Maugharbry, Sligo, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Longford District Court last Tuesday morning.

The court heard from Sergeant Mark Mahon that, on April 2, 2022, at 7pm, Gardaí received reports of a male climbing in the front window of an unoccupied house in Ballymahon that was up for sale.

When Gardaí arrived, a man was observed through the sitting room window, fleeing out the back door of the house. He was not apprehended at the scene, however, a number of beer cans in the sitting room were forensically examined and linked to the accused.

Mr Kelly has 44 previous convictions, one of which is for trespass in 2022 in Athlone. He has also previously served three months in prison for a driving offence.

Solicitor for the defence, Ms Bríd Mimnagh pointed out that “the evidence is very scant” in this case, adding that her client “hasn’t been in trouble since”.

“His partner is having a baby and he’s moved away from the area altogether. He fully cooperated with the gardaí. He was always trying to find a job but certain prejudices were in his way. He’s very happy in employment now,” she said.

In light of the evidence, the fact Mr Kelly is now working and that he has no recent previous convictions, Judge Owens convicted and fined him €200, giving him six months to pay.