Cork teenager accused of burglary fell asleep during it

A teenager who is accused of trying to burgle a neighbour’s house in Mahon to steal a television and Playstation from a bedroom, and then lying down and falling asleep, asked the judge by video link from prison: “Could you not make it peremptory?”

Judge Mary Dorgan said to 19-year-old Michael Harrington of Ravensdale Rd, Mahon, Cork: “Good try, but no.”

The judge explained that the case only dated back to May 31. Sergeant John Dineen said directions were still awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Solicitor Eddie Burke represented the teenager at Cork District Court as the case was adjourned for DPP directions until July 31. A peremptory adjournment could have resulted in the case being struck out if there was no progress by the next date.

Det Sgt Niall Hayes objected to bail previously saying: “It is alleged that on May 31, Michael Harrington entered a house at Ravensdale Rd without permission of the home owner.

“He proceeded to ransack a bedroom in the house and place a Playstation and Playstation games and a television in a bag by the bedroom door.

“He then fell asleep on the bed and was found there by neighbours who are related to the owner.

“He admitted attempting to steal, before falling asleep in the bed.

“At the time of his arrest he was found hiding in the attic of his home.

“He is addicted to prescribed tablets and has a substantial drug debt from cocaine and cannabis use.

“It is the garda belief that if given bail, Michael (Mikey) Harrington will continue to commit serious offences to pay for his drug addiction.”

Mr Burke said the young man really wanted to rehabilitate. Judge Dorgan said for now the safest place for him to be was in prison and to get help on his release.