Serial burglar broke into Dublin school and business on same day

Tom Tuite

A serial burglar with more than 180 criminal convictions has admitted stealing five laptop computers, a cheque book and a mobile phone during two burglaries at a school and a business in Dublin.

Zachary Purcell (34), of no fixed abode, admitted the offences when he appeared before Judge Bryan Smyth at Dublin District Court on Tuesday.

The court heard that during the two incidents earlier this year, he broke into Choláiste Mhuire, an Irish-medium primary school in Dublin city centre, by “forcing entry through the front door”.

On the same date, he broke into a business premises at Gardiner Place and stole five laptops and a phone worth €3,500.

He was charged after gardaí carried out technical examinations of the crime scenes.

Judge Smyth heard Purcell had 183 offences on his record and was serving a sentence for theft; his other convictions included burglary and criminal damage.

Judge Smyth adjourned sentencing for victim impact statements. He will hear a mitigation plea and sentence Purcell later this month.