Navan man jailed after year-long crime spree

A 23-year-old man, Dean Rennicks, with an address at Moathill Manor, Navan who engaged in a year-long spate of crime, was sentenced to two years in jail.

The final 12 months was suspended when he pleaded guilty to what Judge Power described as serious offending between May last year and April this year that involved burglary, possession of instruments such as knifes, balaclavas, a screw driver on one occasion and a hammer on another date, thefts, possession of drugs, along with the taking of a 13-year-old boy’s scooter.

Garda Inspector Tom Quinn outlined the circumstances surrounding the various offences which included a burglary at Saint Patrick’s Classical School, Navan on 28th February this year, where two males entered though a window which was damaged. A sum of €150 was discovered missing from a desk.

The Inspector related on 22nd November last year the defendant was found with a hammer in the pocket of his trousers which he said he needed to carry for his protection.

He recounted on 14th January this year in the middle of the day a Garda on patrol at Duleek observed a vehicle driving at high speed. It narrowly missed an on-coming vehicle, and was followed and searched. Two balaclavas, two knives and a screw driver were found in the vehicle.

On 4th April an e-scooter was unlawfully taken in Navan and was located at a pizza premises in the town. The scooter belonged to a 13-year-old boy.

The Inspector also stated that the defendant stole items including an electric tooth brush and bottles of alcohol on different dates and was found in possession of drugs.

He said the defendant had 49 previous convictions

Barrister Maria Brosnan said that the defendant pleading guilty saved the court and the Garda considerable time. He had a difficulty with addiction, but had given two clear urine samples in the past two weeks, and was looking to be admitted for treatment.

He had a good history of engaging with the probation service.

She asked the Judge to consider imposing community service as a penalty or allowing him engage with the probation service.

Judge Power noted that the defendant had a history of previous offending for similar type offences. His pleas showed a level of remorse, and he had the support of his partner.

As a condition to suspending the final 12 months of the sentence, Judge Power ordered the defendant engage with the probation service and be of good behaviour and keep the peace for two years.