Ex-policeman caught addict during burglary attempt

A chronic heroin addict found himself pinned to the ground by a former Estonian policeman whose house he tried to burgle, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told.

Leon Mitchell, aged 25, of Shangan Green, Ballymun has been in custody since the "citizen’s arrest" at the scene on July 21, 2003. He pleaded guilty to attempted burglary.

Judge Michael White remanded him for sentence on February 11 on five conditions including that he reside with his mother; attend a drugs treatment course; remain drug free and provide urine samples as scheduled by the treatment centre and attend all probation and welfare appointments.

Judge White told Mitchell he is also to keep the peace on his own bond of €300 and that if he breaks any of the conditions he will be put back into custody immediately.

He would be monitored by the courts until his case was finally dealt with.

Garda Jonathan Hayes said the house owner returned home at about 11am from Dublin Airport and heard a noise inside when he opened the door. He thought at first it was his housekeeper but then saw Mitchell wearing two different gloves try to get away.

The former Estonian policeman ran after him and held him pinned to the ground until gardaí arrived.

Mitchell admitted the attempted burglary.

Garda Hayes said nothing was taken. Mitchell had seven previous burglary convictions and finished a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court two-year sentence in November but remained in custody on this.

Garda Hayes agreed with Mr Cormac Quinn BL, defending, that Mitchell came from a good family and was a pleasant person when not on drugs.

Mitchell’s mother told Judge White she would take her son back home if he remained drug free. If he didn’t she said she couldn’t put up with him.