Londonderry car thief was found hiding in some bushes

Ryan McGlinchey, an apprentice painter, from Benview Estate, Coshquin, appeared at Buncrana District Court on Tuesday of last week, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of theft on February 2 this year.

Garda Inspector David Murphy said that between 10pm and 10.30pm, a red Vectra belonging to Darren Barford was entered into and a wallet was taken, while John Deehan, a taxi driver, had a Samsung data-held coin dispenser stolen from his Mercedes, which was parked beside his house. A roller door was also open in the garage and a generator was gone.

On arrival at the scene Officer Cunningham was met by a number of local people and told that three youths, one of which was McGlinchey, were seen on the estate, standing beside a car. When locals attempted to approach them, they ran off.

McGlinchey (20) was later found in undergrowth by people from the estate. All property was recovered.

Defence solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn told Judge Catherine Staines that McGlinchey was with two other men who drove from Londonderry. He said the cars in question had been left open and McGlinchey took stuff from them.

“He was observed by locals, who then gave chase,” said Mr MacLochlainn.

One of the three was given a suspended sentence as he had previous convictions, while another man, the driver, was not prosecuted. He said McGlinchey had no previous convictions and was anxious to have the matter dealt, attending court by appointment.

Judge Staines told McGlinchey: “You’re putting your whole life at risk.”

She warned him he could go to prison.

McGlinchey: “I won’t be doing it again.”

Asking for reports to be prepared, Judge Staines noted there was no way of enforcing community service on someone from Northern Ireland: “I’m here 35 years and we have a number of problems which are unique to this area because of the border situation. While it seems like it should be a simple resolution between two Government bodies, it doesn’t happen.”

Mr MacLochlainn also told the Judge that a summons cannot be served on someone from Northern Ireland.

Judge Staines said she had attended a restorative justice programme in Dundalk with the PSNI and there was “great talk of co-operation.”

Mr MacLochlainn also told Judge Staines that his client had spent two nights in custody in Buncrana Garda Station.

Considering the case, Judge Staines ordered McGlinchey to pay 125 euro and write letters of apology to both injured parties.