Pair with 266 convictions between them jailed for thefts of hotel staff e-scooters

Two men, who were charged concerning the removal of e-scooters belonging to staff at a Meath hotel, were sentenced to terms of imprisonment at Trim District Court on Tuesday. James Mooney (30) of Johnstown Bridge, Enfield, Kildare and Patrick Mooney (39) of Drumalee Court, Cavan faced charges of burglary. James Mooney was present in the court, while Patrick Mooney appeared by video link.

Court Presenter Sergeant Alan Radcliffe told there was a report of two men acting suspiciously at Johnstown House Hotel in the early hours of the morning on 25th November last.

Two e-scooters belonging to members of the staff were stolen, but these were since returned to the owners.

The court was told that James Mooney had 187 previous convictions. His solicitor Maurice Regan said that the defendant made full admissions and wanted to enter an early guilty plea. The solicitor said that his client had huge addiction issues. He had lost his father and brother last year and this caused him to fall “very far off the wagon”.

He was now a new father to a son and wanted to get his life back on track, Mr Regan said.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan convicted him and imposed sentences of two months and four months to be served consecutively. She also ordered him to enter a peace bond for 12 months.

Patrick Mooney was alleged to be the other man involved in the burglary at the hotel. He was said to have 79 previous convictions. Mr Regan told the judge that while he had a “horrendous record”, his client was battling with addiction.

He was due to go to Cuan Mhuire for treatment last month but that had fallen through. He was engaging with addiction services at Cloverhill Prison and had been sober since December last. He had made full admissions during Garda interviews and had pleaded guilty to the offence.

Mr Regan said that his client had suffered similar bereavement.

Judge McKiernan convicted the defendant and imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspending the last two months.