District court briefs

Plea to burglary on neighbour A 24-year-old man who burgled a neighbour's home was handed an eight-month prison sentence when he pleaded guilty to the offence at Cavan District Court. Darren Mullen, 4 John Paul Avenue, Cavan, was charged with the burglary of Tom Pollock's home at 17 John Paul Avenue on April 2, 2010. Inspector Seamus Boyle said at 3am, gardaí responded to a burglary at the home of Mr. Pollock. When they arrived, the back door was open and a television had been removed from its stand and was found lying on the ground. A DVD player was also removed. Finger prints were taken at the scene and they matched those of the defendant. When interviewed, the defendant admitted the offence. He had 49 previous convictions. Martin Cosgrove, solicitor defending, said his client had a long history of alcohol and drug problems. On this occasion, he had taken Valium and had also consumed alcohol. He knew his neighbours very well. Mr. Mullen was totally clear of drink and drugs and was back living at home. Judge David Anderson said the defendant had a poor record that included a number of burglaries and theft. He had to give the defendant credit for his pleas and imposed an eight-month jail term. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal. Traces of heroin Sean Burke (29), Springtown, Granard, Longford, who was found in possession of traces of heroin at Connolly Street, Cavan, on August 25, 2009, had his case adjourned until October 21 for the preparation of a Probation Report. Cavan District Court was informed that the defendant was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act and he was in possession of tinfoil, which had traces of heroin on it. The defendant has 16 previous convictions. Garrett Fortune, solicitor defending, said his client was attending a drug counsellor in Granard for about four or five months. He had remained out of trouble since last August and was tackling his problem. Probation Act Ovidjus Sidlauskas (18), 37 Cavan Road, Cootehill, was given the benefit of the probation act when he appeared before Cavan District Court on a public order offence. He was charged that on April 27 at Market Street, Cootehill, he used or engaged in threatening behaviour. Inspector Seamus Boyle said gardaí were on mobile patrol at 2am when they observed a row in Market Street. The defendant was fighting with a number of other young people. He was arrested and taken to Bailieboro Garda Station. Damien Rudden, solicitor defending, said his client had too much to drink on the occasion. He got involved in a skirmish with some locals. He wished to apologised for his behaviour. Compensation Niall McEntee, 11 Cavanreagh, Scotshouse, was ordered to pay €250 in compensation to Ian Clarke for causing damage to his car at Drumbure, Scotshouse, on October 31. Appearing before Judge Sean MacBride at the local district court, he was also fined €300 and asked to make a donation of €300 to the Scotshouse Community Centre.