Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/vita pakhai
heartstrings

Burglar claims he wanted money for his daughter's communion and mother's grave

Thomas Wall says he’s been ‘locked up’ but wants to spend more time with his daughter.

A MAN ATTEMPTED to break into a foreign student’s Dublin apartment to get money for his daughter’s First Communion, a court has heard.

Thomas Wall (29) told gardaí he had missed the Communion because he had been “locked up” and was trying to gather some money to give to his daughter afterwards.

He said he had also recently lost his mother and was trying to get money so he could put a picture on her gravestone.

He was caught when the occupant of the apartment opened the curtains and saw Wall outside trying to open the window.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Wall has not seen his daughter since going into custody last year but wants to play a bigger role in her life.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan remanded him in custody until 24 October when he will finalise his sentence. He noted Wall, a heroin user, had been making good progress recently in addressing his addiction.

Wall of Charlemont Street, Dublin pleaded guilty to attempted burglary at High Street, Dublin on 18 September 2015. He has 74 previous convictions including 15 for burglary.

The apartment was occupied by a Venezuelan woman who was in Ireland studying English. She woke up to a noise at the window and screamed when she saw Wall on the balcony outside trying to push it open. He continued trying to get in while she called out for help.

Prosecuting counsel James Dwyer BL said Wall then left the balcony and was arrested outside by gardaí who were nearby.

He told gardaí he had gone to the apartment complex to smoke some heroin and decided to try and steal some money for his daughter.

Read: Girl given €25,000 after being knocked down while chasing her dog >

Read: Order granted to freeze all assets of former Console CEO and wife >

Author
Declan Brennan and Conor Gallagher
Your Voice
Readers Comments
39
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.