By Ronan Judge

A 55-year-old man who used a laminated sheet of paper in an attempted burglary at a business in Galway city has “no recollection” of the incident, a court has heard.

Galway District Court heard Justin Wynne was observed placing the laminated sheet between the lock and frame of a door inside Cathedral buildings, Middle Street, on June 3, 2024.

Wynne, with an address at 43 Ard Cré, Ballymoneen Road, Knocknacarra, pleaded guilty to being in possession of a laminated sheet of paper with intent it be used in a burglary, contrary to section 15 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

Inspector Eleanor O’Halloran told the court nothing was stolen during the incident and the accused later presented himself to Gardaí.

Wynne also admitted entering Holland and Barrett, Shop Street, with intent to commit theft, also on June 3, 2024.

Insp O’Halloran said the accused gained access to the rear of the premises, “rummaged around” but did not steal anything.

The court was told Wynne has 31 previous convictions including 13 for burglary and four for assault. He is also subject to a six-month suspended sentence for burglary imposed in October 2023.

Defence solicitor Olivia Traynor said despite a serious addiction to heroin, her client managed to hold down a job as a street cleaner for many years.

Ms Traynor said her client has no recollection of a lot of these matters but “held his hands up” to Gardaí and was genuinely remorseful.

She said CCTV footage of one of the incidents clearly showed he was under the influence of an intoxicant.

The accused, who was supported in court by family members, is currently on a methadone treatment programme and suffers from issues affecting his physical and mental health, the court heard.

Ms Traynor said she was asking the court not to finalise the case due to the recent, serious deterioration in her client’s physical health.

Judge Adrian Harris granted Ms Traynor’s application and adjourned the case to December 6 to fix a date for finalisation.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.