Two Kilkenny men were this week convicted of possession of house-breaking implements which Gardai believe may have been used for farm burglaries.
Rick Smith (35) of Freshford, Kilkenny, and PJ Woods of Connolly Street, Kilkenny City, both received six-month sentences at Portlaoise District Court. They were stopped by Gardai based in Abbeyleix while on anti-burglary patrol in the Tintore area of Ballacolla on the night of November 24, 2016.
As Gardai approached their vehicle, the driver, Smith, attempted to drive from Gardai. Garda John Maher reached in through the window of their vehicle and removed the key with the assistance of Garda Declan Quinlan, the court heard.
Both Smith and Woods became aggressive towards Garda Maher and Quinlan before providing them with false names, it was explained in court. Gardai carried out a cursory search of their vehicle and found two fire extinguishers, two crow bars and gloves. It was the opinion of Gardai these items were to be used in connection with farm burglaries with the fire extinguishers used to repel dogs or interfere with security equipment.
Both Smith and Woods were brought to Portlaoise Garda Station where they were detained and questioned in relation to the items found, contrary to Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Theft & Fraud Offences) Act 2001 before being charged.
Both men pleaded not guilty and the case was fully contested before both were found guilty. In concluding, Judge Catherine Staines complimented Garda Maher and Quinlan for their excellent work in rural patrolling and the prevention of rural crime.
This latest conviction follows on from three men from Mountrath and Mountmellick who earlier this month entered guilty pleas before Portlaoise Circuit Court relating to items stolen in other farm burglaries in the south Laois area also.
Smith and Woods immediately appealed the verdict.
