Burglar sentenced to nine months behind bars - Kilkenny Live

A man who went into the private bar area of a popular bar area in Kilkenny City and stole alcohol was sentenced to nine months behind bars at a recent sitting of the local district court.

David McDonagh, 4 Kilmalogue Park, Portarlington, Co Offaly pleaded guilty to burglary at a premises on John Street on November 13, 2023 and to entering a car on John Street on the same date.

The defendant also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for personal use.

Inspector Barry Smith said on the date in question the defendant had entered a private bar area in a licensed premises in the John Street area and stole two bottles of spirits and then entered a car on John Street, but did not take anything from the car.

Inspector Smith said that the defendant was searched at the garda station and was found to be in possession of €20 worth of cannabis.

The court heard that the defendant is currently serving a sentence and that the date of his release is July 9, 2025.

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The 31-year-old defendant has over 90 previous convictions including convictions for public order and theft and is a member of the Travelling Community.

Barrister, Eamon O’Moore said that to say his client had ‘a turbulent and chaotic childhood is an understatement’. Mr O’Moore said that his client, who is a father-of-three also spent time in the care of the state and has ‘a significant history of depression and anxiety’.

“He has a well-established history of drug use and this is a catalyst for a lot of these offences’.

The defendant pleaded to burglary, possession of cannabis for personal use and of unlawfully enter a vehicle contrary to section 113 of The Road Traffic Act.

Judge Geraldine Carthy sentenced him to nine months for burglary and the other offences were taken into consideration.