First Christmas of lengthy sentence for ‘violent and dangerous' Limerick man

A JUDGE described a Limerick burglar, who woke up a 91-year-old asleep in his bed while holding a dagger, as a “violent and dangerous man”.

Judge Colin Daly said the situation could only be worse if the accused had actually assaulted the nonagenarian.

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Patrick Byrnes, aged 23, of O’Loughlin’s Lane, Thomondgate, Limerick city pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary with a knife at a home on O’Connell Avenue in Limerick city; possession of a knife at Parnell Street in the city and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to gardai. All the offences occurred on June 15, 2025. 

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Tom Moynihan on an earlier date. Byrnes was represented by Liam Carroll BL.

Jude Daly, in summarising the evidence, said the 91-year-old man lives alone.

“He was in bed (around 8am) and was woken up by a man leaning over him, very close to his face. The accused demanded his car keys. His face was covered and he was holding a dagger type knife.

“The victim shouted at the intruder to leave and he followed him out of the house. Cabinets were ransacked and various items were stolen,” said Judge Daly, who added that the pensioner found the incident very alarming and frightening.

“He suffered no physical injuries but was very shocked,” said the judge.

Byrnes was approached by gardai a short time later at 9.11am on Parnell Street. 

“He was carrying a white coal sack with various items that he had stolen from the house. The accused dropped this stolen property, approached the patrol car with the knife and threatened gardai that if they followed him, he would stab them. He fled the scene,” said Judge Daly.

Byrnes was arrested by gardai four days later and made full admissions to gardai, referred to himself as a “scumbag” and offered an apology

Judge Daly, in determining the sentence, said Byrnes targeted a residential premises at a time when it was very likely to be occupied.

“He confronted the occupant, armed with a dagger. He targeted a vulnerable elderly man who lives alone and ransacked his home,” said Judge Daly, who added that Byrnes' 89 previous convictions were an aggravating factor.

“Looking at Byrnes’ previous convictions, he is a violent and dangerous man. He was on bail at the commission of this offence and was subject to a suspended sentence at the time

“The very elderly gentleman was very shaken by this ordeal, although thankfully he continues to be able to live in his home with the support of neighbours and friends. The situation could only be worse if Byrnes had actually assaulted him,” said Judge Daly. 

The judge, in mitigation, took into account Byrnes’ guilty pleas, admissions to gardai, his parents difficulties resulting in the family living in emergency accommodation where he came into bad company, his addiction and apology.

Judge Daly sentenced Byrnes to eight years and nine months in jail with the last nine months suspended for the aggravated burglary. 

The judge imposed a three-and-a-half year prison term, to be served concurrently, for threatening to kill gardai. The possession of a knife charge was taken into consideration.