Longford burglar found in possession of two knives and a screwdriver

A recent sitting of Longford District Court heard how a knife-carrying Longford man and a female co-accused used a shovel to access a property in Ferefad at 2am on October 17 this year where they remained until 8am when they were spotted by vigilant neighbours who alerted Gardaí.

During their time in the house, the pair stole approximately €4,500 worth of jewellery.   

Darren Reilly, a 42 year old man with an address of 13 Pearse View, Longford, appeared before the court charged with having entered the building as a trespasser and with having committed an arrestable offence, namely theft. Mr Reilly was also charged with having possession of a knife on the same date. The prosecuting Garda for this incident was Garda Patrick Fallon.

In delivering a summary of facts to the court regarding the Ferefad burglary, Sergeant Mark Mahon said CCTV from the day in question showed a male and a female entering the rear of a house in Ferefad at 2am.

The house, he said, was unoccupied at the time due to the owner being away that night. Describing how the burglars had forced their way into the property, the sergeant said access was gained through the rear door using a shovel found at the house.

Sgt Mahon added that the pair stayed in the house until 8am and it was during that time, they stole €4,500 worth of jewellery. Sgt Mahon said Mr Reilly and his co-accused had “made full admissions” to the offences.

The sergeant added, “In relation to Mr Reilly, he was searched when arrested and was found in possession of a Stanley knife, a small kitchen knife, and a screwdriver.” 

When Judge Owens asked how the burglary was discovered, Garda Fallon responded, “it was a 999 call. Neighbours woke up the following morning to observe two individuals they knew were not occupants and we subsequently arrived to find Mr Reilly “at the upstairs bedroom window and his co-accused on the curtilage of the building at the time.” 

All items were recovered and returned to the owner. Judge Owens remanded Mr Reilly in custody on this matter until the January 13 court sitting.

The court heard Mr Reilly was also before the courts on separate charges relating to drugs, and public order, as well as an incident at Pearse Park in Longford on January 5 2025 whereby Mr Reilly was charged with “knowing that a vehicle had been taken possession of without the consent of the owner”, which in this case was a business, and allowed himself “to be carried in such vehicle without the consent of the owner.” 

Representing the accused was solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, who told the court, “He’s engaging in AA in prison and is willing to continue when he gets out. The probation officer recommended that he further engages with CADS (Community Alcohol and Drug) as well upon his release. Part of his sentence might factor in those.” 

Mr Quinn added, “He can live a pro-social life when he is not using drugs and has been clean since he went in, since October, and he has shown a marked improvement.” An employer the probation officer spoke to also said he would be willing to employ Mr Reilly so clearly when he puts his mind to it he can be a great worker and he wants to try and prove himself if given a chance.”

Sgt Mahon said Mr Reilly was last convicted of an offence in 2009. 

Judge Owens stated that some of the matters could be finalised that day. She said the probation report had been “very helpful in that it set out what has been happening for Mr Reilly for the last few years.”

The Judge added that it made for difficult reading because it showed what she described as “someone’s life falling apart in front of everyone’s eyes” because of an addiction.” 

She added, “It’s unusual in that Mr Reilly said to the Probation Officer that he feels if he had not been placed in custody, he could have lost his life to addiction. I’m really hoping that while in custody and if Mr Reilly does get to engage with the appropriate services, he does that and he uses that to ensure upon his release, he won’t be back in that position.” 

In relation to the charge where Mr Reilly occupied a vehicle he knew was stolen, Judge Owens convicted and sentenced him to 8 months in prison which she backdated to October 18 when he went into custody. The Judge said she would “part suspend the final 3 months of that sentence on Mr Reilly’s own bond of €250 euro.”

He would be subject to the provision of the probation services and conditions set out in the probation report, which she suspended for a period of 12 months.  

Judge Owens added she was “marking the other matters as taken into account.”

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