Trespassing convict hid in shower

Gardaí went to investigate a reported break-in at a guesthouse in Cork and, after a 20-minute search, found an intruder — who was unlawfully at large from prison — hiding in a shower unit.

Patrick McCann, aged 32, of no fixed address in Cork, and originally from Crumlin, Dublin, yesterday pleaded guilty to trespassing at the Old Aran Isle bed and breakfast on the night of October 12, 2015.

McCann was jailed for five months yesterday for the crime. He admitted counts of trespassing and giving gardaí a false name and address.

He had been given temporary release in the course of serving a 15-month jail sentence and failed to return to prison at the appointed time.

Inspector Ronan Kennelly told Cork District Court yesterday that a large window was smashed at the property shortly before 10pm that evening.

Gardaí responded to a call about the damage and a search of the property was conducted. McCann was found hiding in a shower in a unit of the property. Two other men were also found in the premises.

McCann gave gardaí a false name and address on the night. He also denied having anything to do with the breaking of the window. He pleaded guilty yesterday to giving the false name and trespassing at the premises.

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed the five-month jail term.

Concurrent jail sentences that did not increase his overall jail time were imposed on McCann for shoplifting and similar offences.

Detective Garda Tom O’Sullivan testified that McCann turned up at the Old Mill pub in New Tipperary, Donoughmore, Co Cork, on March 23, where he was seen on CCTV entering as a trespasser and stealing €300 from a cash register.

On October 15, 2015, he kicked four wing mirrors off cars parked at Little Hanover St, causing €1,375 worth of damage.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said the defendant apologised for all of the incidents for which he was before the court. He said McCann had a heroin problem and had been with Victory Outreach in Maynooth giving them all his social welfare and fundraising for them while in residence there.

“An issue broke on the news about the integrity of Victory Outreach and he left it. He became homeless and that was at the time of these incidents,” said Mr Burke.