Cork teenager tried to burgle neighbour's house but fell asleep on bed, court heard

19-year-old was trying to steal a television and PlayStation but lay down on a bed and fell asleep

Accused admitted trying to steal a PlayStation, PlayStation games and a television. File picture

A 19-year-old who tried to burgle a neighbour’s house to steal a television and PlayStation from a bedroom lay down on the bed during the crime and fell asleep.

When he was disturbed by people arriving at the house, he fled and was later found hiding in the attic of his own home.

These were the allegations made during an objection to bail being granted to Michael Harrington, of Ravensdale Road, Mahon, Cork.

Detective Sergeant Niall Hayes objected to bail saying: “It is alleged that on May 31, 2025, Michael Harrington entered a house at Ravensdale Road without permission of the home owner. 

“He proceeded to ransack a bedroom in the house and place a PlayStation and PlayStation games and a television in a bag by the bedroom door.

“He then fell asleep on the bed and was found there by neighbours who are related to the owner.

“He admitted attempting to steal, before falling asleep in the bed.

“At the time of his arrest, he was found hiding in the attic of his home. “He is addicted to prescribed tablets and has a substantial drug debt from cocaine and cannabis use.

“It is the Garda belief that if given bail, Michael (Mikey) Harrington will continue to commit serious offences to pay for his drug addiction.” 

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke called the teenager to give evidence. Judge Mary Dorgan reminded him he had received a lot of support from probation and related services.

“I am really sorry to see you here today,” Judge Dorgan said. 

“I am too,"Michael Harrington replied. "Jail is not the place for me. My head is gone. My head is actually gone. I want to be well, I want to get clean. Life is tough, man, for me. It’s hard. I want to be well.” 

Sergeant Aisling Murphy asked him: “Have you not been given chance after chance? You keep breaking the bail conditions.” The teenager agreed with that.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said the young man really wanted to rehabilitate.

Judge Dorgan said for now the safest place for him to be was in prison and to get help on his release.

He was remanded in custody for a week.