Man caught stealing from Cork's Myo cafe insists on being sentenced despite lack of solicitor

Cork man with 113 previous convictions waived the opportunity to adjourn his case during the solicitors' strike, telling the court he wanted to plead guilty and be sentenced immediately for burglary

Edward Keenan admitted burgling Myo cafe at 34 Pope's Quay, Cork, shortly after 3am on May 18 by smashing a pane of glass in the front door. File picture: Denis Minihane.

A burglar who was caught stealing a till from the Myo cafe on Pope’s Quay in Cork insisted on being sentenced for his crime even though he had no legal representation because of the solicitors’ strike.

Judge David Waters recommended to Edward Keenan, aged 41, of 22 St John’s Square, Blackpool, Cork, that sentencing be adjourned until it was possible for him to be legally represented.

However, the defendant was adamant that he wanted to plead guilty and be sentenced.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the accused had 113 previous convictions of which 13 were burglaries, two were robberies, and five were thefts.

Sgt Murphy said the accused man’s last sentence for burglary was 10 months. 

Before embarking on sentencing, Judge Waters said that in light of the previous convictions and particularly the last sentence given for a burglary, Mr Keenan was at risk of at least 10 months in jail.

Again the accused said he wanted to be sentenced. 

Judge Waters imposed a 10 -month term, backdated two months to when he first went into custody.

Keenan admitted burgling Myo cafe at 34 Pope's Quay, Cork, shortly after 3am on May 18 by smashing a pane of glass in the front door.

When gardaí arrived at the scene, the defendant was crouched down behind the counter of the premises with the till in his hands.

Judge Waters said: “This is now burglary, number 14. At this stage I cannot see how I could give you less than 10 months.” 

Keenan was given an opportunity to make a representation on his own behalf.

He said: “I had a bad relapse on drugs. I was going to the probation office (until then). She was actually worried about me. I relapsed your honour and I am sorry, you know what I mean.”