Suspended sentence for man who stole socks from army camp
Pic: Michael O'Rourke.
A MAN who broke into an army camp and stole several items, including socks, was last week handed a suspended sentence when he appeared before Carlow District Court. Edward Kennedy, Askea Lawns, Tullow Road, Carlow pleaded guilty to a charge of theft at the Defence Forces Training Centre, Coolmoney Camp, Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow on 9 May this year.
Inspector Tom Jones told the court that the 26-year-old broke into the duty room of the army camp and stole socks, a cap and another item, then fled the scene when gardaí arrived, but later returned and was brought to Baltinglass Garda Station.
He continued that Mr Kennedy had four previous convictions and had received a suspended sentence in 2022.
Solicitor Joe Farrell said that his client lived “an extremely chaotic lifestyle” and that his relationship with his mother had broken down. He continued that Mr Kennedy had “no support” and that he “badly needed the help of the services”, adding that his client now has a stable address.
Judge Carthy said that Mr Kennedy had benefitted from a suspended sentence previously but hadn’t engaged with the Probation Service at that time. She told Mr Kennedy that burglary was a “serious matter” and that she would give him a suspended sentence on the basis that he engages with the services.
She then convicted and sentenced Mr Kennedy to nine months’ imprisonment, but suspended it for 12 months.
