Kildare man jailed for burglary and church theft
Image for illustration purpose
A MAN with a balaclava and a flick-knife who broke into a woman’s flat while she was at home, then on a later date tried to steal a candelabra from an Athy church was sentenced to a total of 22 months in prison.
Athy District Court heard how, on 19 August 2022 Raymond Kelly (47), with an address in Castlepark, Athy, and an unnamed accomplice attempted to gain access to a premises on Duke Street.
“He was in possession of a knife when gardaí intercepted Mr Kelly in a side alley,” said Sergeant Ruth Coleman.
Judge Desmond Zaidan asked how the gardaí were on scene so promptly, and the sergeant said that it was reported by a ‘999’ call.
Sgt Coleman noted that when confronted by the guards he dropped the knife.
Then on 2 January 2024 he stole a donation box attached to a candelabra from the Catholic church on the Monasterevin Road, estimated to be worth in the region of €1,000.
“He knocked it over, dragged it across the road, but abandoned it when he couldn’t break it open,” said the sergeant.
“He was arrested close to his home, very intoxicated, and unco-operative,” said Sgt Coleman.
Barrister Hugo Mills offered mitigation claiming his client was clean from drugs and a father.
“He was abusive, and that’s regretful, but he did say sorry to the court."
Mr Mills said: “He would do better on the outside of prison, and it would be better for society”.
The judge noted the barrister's comments but the two offences were very serious.
"There are no mitigating circumstances,” said the judge.
He sentenced Mr Kelly to 11 months on each offence and ordered they run consecutively.
