A man who took keys of a church from a presbytery and lodged secretly in its loft, has been jailed for six months at Cavan District Court for stealing money from its charity boxes.
Ossie Keyes of 25 Rocklands, Cavan, was handed the sentence for handling a set of keys for St Clare's Church on Main Street, Cavan, and a concurrent six months for the burglary of the church between July 3 and 9.
The court heard that Keyes was living in the church loft and stole an estimated €1,100 from the charity boxes.
Inspector Seamus Boyle told Judge Sean MacBride that over a period of time a sum of money had been taken from charity boxes in St Clare's.
A number of marked notes were placed to confirm that theft was ongoing and these were also taken.
There had been a burglary in the presbytery earlier when the key of St Clare's was taken and it was found in the defendant’s possession. Gardaí also became aware that someone was in the church and following a lengthy search they found the defendant in the loft and it appeared he had been there for some time.
Defending solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client was a carpenter but had lost his job and his dole was stopped as he didn't have an address in Cavan at the time.
She said Keyes only took the money he needed to live on from the boxes and was very apologetic and co-operated fully with the Gardaí.
His parents were dead and the family home had been sold some time ago, Ms Mimnagh explained.
Judge McBride said his hands were tied in relation to a custodial sentence and the defendant was in no position to offer recompense.
While he appreciated Keyes had fallen on hard times, to go into a church where people worshipped and steal money, money to keep the church going, was hard to understand.
"I feel the appropriate sentence is one of six months and I will back date it to July 28 when he was taken into custody."
Two other burglary charges between June 26 and July 2 and July 10 and 16 were taken into account.
The court heard further charges were facing the defendant in connection with theft, forgery and using a false instrument at locations in Offaly and Westmeath.
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