Longford burglar with 85 previous conviction receives suspended sentence
A Longford man with 85 previous convictions, who burgled a store and was caught by Gardaí two weeks later with a knife, has received an 18-month suspended sentence. Gerard Feeney of Victory Court, Longford pleaded guilty to burglary and being in possession of an offensive weapon on two separate dates last year. Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí received a report that a burglary had occurred at Candy Cloud, Main Street in Longford town on June 22, 2024 at 4am. READ NEXT: PICTURES | Special occasion in Moyne CS as former Longford teacher Benny Reid launches his new book He stated a co-accused was arrested and he identified the defendant who was with him and they were both captured on CCTV. The men were both detained at Longford Garda Station where they made full admissions. Judge Bernadette Owens asked how they got into the premises and she was informed there was no further information. Sgt Mahon said Gardaí were also on patrol on the N63 on July 5, 2024 at 1.30am when they observed the defendant acting suspiciously and he was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act. READ NEXT: All new festival celebrating the arts in all it forms coming to Longford town "While conducting the search they discovered a three inch black handled knife in the lining of Dermot's coat," he added. The defendant was subsequently arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station. Mr Feeney had 85 previous convictions. Solicitor Frank Gearty described his client as a "hanger on" who was in the company of another man. "Unfortunately they entered a building, he had no business going in there. “I am not pointing the finger at the other man as neither of them were in a good place at the time, Dermot was in a very bad place and he was not his full self. "He was abusing drugs and his marriage had come to an end."Mr Gearty said his client hid a knife in the lining of his jacket as he was so anxious he believed everyone was out to get him. The legal representative said Mr Feeney had now been off addictive drugs for the past six months. Judge Bernadette Owens stated she could not ignore his previous record and she imposed a five month prison sentence which she suspended for an 18 month period.
