Man who broke into archbishop’s home will not be returned to jail

The 33-year-old man who broke into the Tralee home of Archbishop Dermot Clifford three years ago, escaped being sent back to prison as it seemed he has mended his ways, the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee was told yesterday.

Michael Coffey, previously of Muing Park, Carrigeens West, Castleisland, and also of 32 Cnoc Gorm, Tralee, was before the court when the State applied to activate a one-year sentence. Coffey was given four years in prison in March 2010 with one year suspended for the burglary at Rathanny, Tralee, in July 2009.

Mr Coffey was found at the time in a drunken condition in the house, a neighbour had raised the alarm. Nothing was taken.

Mr Coffey had served the three years but conditions had been attached to the suspended part of the sentence.

Tralee Sergeant Ray Monaghan said that since his release, Coffey came before the District Court in Killarney and pleaded guilty to theft from five cars parked at tourist attractions in Ladies View and Torc Waterfall in Killarney.

Brian McInerney defence barrister (instructed by Padraig O’Connell Solr) said that Coffey is a ‘changed man’ and has now given up drink and other substances to which he was addicted.

Judge Carroll Moran said that as Mr Coffey has not come to the attention of gardaí since January and it seems “he had mended his ways, he would exercise his discretion and not activate the one year sentence.

He sent the case of theft from cars back to the District Court in Killarney for decision on April 15.