Cork court: Jailed for burgling in-laws’ home, stealing whiskey

A 37-year-old man was jailed for three years for burgling the home of his in-laws and stealing seven bottles of whiskey from the house.

Kenneth Duggan was sentenced after pleading guilty to this and to carrying out another burglary on the same date, March 15, 2025.

The first charge relates to his in-laws’ home at Muskerry Estate at 10am.

The second count relates to 2.30pm at Wellington Rd where there was a burglary and the accused was caught in possession of property stolen from the house when he was in the back garden.

Duggan, of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, was sentenced to four years with the last year suspended in respect of both crimes at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Defence barrister Niamh Stewart said: “He has a chronic drug addiction. When sober, he is not the worst. He is extremely sorry about what he did.

“He is a fantastic father when he is not intoxicated. He did stay sober for a number of years, but unfortunately he relapsed. He wants help.”

Judge Dermot Sheehan summarised the events of March 15 as he imposed the sentence.

“On the morning at his wife’s parents’ home, he broke through the front door and stole seven bottles of whiskey,” Judge Sheehan said.

“Later, at Sydney Place, Wellington Rd, which is just off the city centre, he was observed in the back garden of the house.

“He made full admissions. He has an enormous number of convictions. He is 37.

“He has failed to deal with his addiction issues while at large. He will have to do this while in custody."

The judge backdated the prison sentence to June 12 when Duggan went into custody.