'I'll try not to get caught' says Kildare man with 113 previous convictions 

“ARE you going to lead by example?” a judge asked a man in custody when he heard he had five children.

“Yeah, I’ll try not to get caught!” said Karl Fox (26) with an address given at Jameswell Court, Morristown, Newbridge, formerly of Crann Nua, Portarlington, but now a guest of the state.

“The natural instinct of a Fox – don’t get caught!” laughed Judge Desmond Zaidan as the pair conversed at last week's sitting of Naas District Court.

It had all started earlier when Mr Fox was initially called, appearing from custody via videolink and initially explained why he was in prison.

“In custody for dangerous driving from Naas,” he explained helpfully.

“Ah, your favourite court,” smiled the judge, who has dealt with Mr Fox in recent years.

“You’re my favourite judge in the world! You gave me 22 months!” Mr Fox grinned back.

There was a pause in the proceedings as defending solicitor had to clear up a point of law with his client, so the case was held up until after lunch for a second calling.

When the screen lit up again, the judge addressed staff: “Prison officer, can you bring me the Fantastic Mr Fox!” 

“So is he pleading (guilty) to everything?” asked the judge of solicitor Tim Kennelly.

“Yes,” said Mr Kennelly replied.

“On 21 July, 2025 at 12.40am gardaí saw a silver vehicle on a car jack (in The Close, College Farm, Newbridge) with two men in it,” began Sergeant Mary Meade.

“The defendant was one of them, he got out and ran, and discarded a clear bag that contained a large quantity of cannabis,” she said.

“Ah,” smiled the judge to the sergeant, “What else is a Fox going to do, but show a solid distrust for humans!” 

The sergeant continued: “On 3 December, gardaí saw Karl Fox in a car in Maryville on Melitta Road in Kildare town and went to speak to him through the window,.

“Karl Fox urged the driver to drive away which he did, but he stopped up the road, and when searched Karl Fox had €200 worth of heroin, and various titbits."

As he was pleading guilty and awaiting sentence, the court could hear how he has racked up 113 previous convictions.

In mitigation, Mr Kennelly told the court: “He is having a harrowing time in prison. His cellmate has HIV, and he’s had to get tested”.

“His release date is 17 March, 2028,” revealed the solicitor.

“So Karl isn’t going anywhere?” asked the judge rhetorically.

“No, “ said a very emphatic prison officer.

“Next year’s St Patrick’s Day is a long way away, never mind 2028’s,” said the judge. “So a two-year stretch is enough, so I won’t add, but if you don’t learn from that…!

Speaking to the defendant he said: “Karl, you have an appalling criminal record. You will go in and out, and in and out of prison, get a grip of your life."

“Have you children?” asked the judge.

“Yeah, five, the youngest is seven,” said Mr Fox.

“Are you ever going to lead by example?” asked the judge.

“Yeah! I’ll try not to get caught!” said the defending, bring a ripple of subdued chuckles throughout the courtroom.

“The natural instinct of a Mr Fox,” smiled the judge shaking his head, as he sentenced the man on the screen to nine months in prison on the possession with intent to supply charge on college farm.

“There’s not a day added to your sentence,” said Mr Kennelly to his client.

“Thanks Tim,” said Fox, offering a simple thumbs up as he was led away.