The crime of trespass was “an offence against society which strikes terror into the minds and hearts of property owners and business people” stated Judge Sean MacBride at Monaghan District Court when imposing a five-month sentence in Mountjoy Prison on a 46-year-old defendant with a substantial record of previous convictions.
Thomas McDonagh, with an address at Castleblayney Road, Carrickmacross but who was stated to be currently residing at Drumcrew, Castleblayney, pleaded guilty to entering the building of Lowey Transport Limited at Cashel, Annyalla on April 25 2013 with intent to commit an offence.
Garda Inspector Kevin Gavigan told the court that on the date in question, Mr Trevor Lowey, who was the owner of the property at Annyalla, had it brought to his attention by his brother that there was an unwanted person in his premises. Mr Lowey viewed the CCTV footage and observed a vehicle that was traced to the defendant.
Mr McDonagh was interviewed at length by the Gardaí in Monaghan Garda Station and admitted being in the premises, putting forward the excuse …