Cork man jailed for eight months following house break-in

A 43-YEAR-OLD Cork man caught hiding in a garden following a break-in has been jailed for eight months.

This was the total sentence imposed on Derek Lynch by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court for the burglary and other charges to which he pleaded guilty.

The background to the case was that a Lovers Walk resident left home but soon afterwards received a notification on his phone that there was an intruder at his house and he returned to see a stranger hiding at the end of his garden.

Garda David Duffy gave this outline during the state objection to bail being granted to Derek Lynch, of 5 Cois Abhainn, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, when he was first brought to Cork District Court before Christmas.

After hearing the evidence put forward by the State and the evidence from the accused that he would not commit any offence and would comply with any conditions if granted bail, Judge Dorgan remanded the accused in custody.

Mr Lynch was accused of two alleged burglary-related offences at the house at Leemount, Lovers Walk, Cork, on December 9.

The charges state that at Lovers Walk, Tivoli, he did have in his possession a black bar, a window shatter implement and a pair of blue latex gloves with the intention of using it in connection with a burglary, and entering the curtilage of the building as a trespasser with the inference that he was going to interfere with property.

Now he has pleaded guilty to those charges and to another offence committed last August at Tesco on Paul Street where he stole €191 worth of groceries.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the accused took the items from the supermarket and left without paying. When stopped by security at the front door and asked to remain at the scene for the arrival of gardaí, he refused to stay and he left with the goods.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said the accused man had spared witnesses the time and trouble of coming to court to give evidence, by pleading guilty at the first opportunity.

Mr Cuddigan said the accused was also taking the opportunity to address his addiction difficulties while in prison.