Garage owner chased away would-be thief

Eimear Cotter

THE OWNER of a service station chased away a young dad armed with an iron bar after he caught him trying to break into a locked container at the back of the premises.

Scott Horan (23) was looking for money or equipment to sell so he could pay off a debt he owed, a court heard. Horan, with an address at Griffith Parade in Finglas, admitted before Swords District Court to criminal trespass and possession of articles for use in a theft.

The incident took place at McLoughlin's Service Station, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan shortly before 1am on June 10, 2009.

Garda Brendan O'Brien said Horan was caught by the owner as he was trying to break into a container at the back of the premises.

The defendant ran away when he was confronted by the owner and was caught a short distance away. He was not aggressive nor did he threaten the owner in any way.

Horan also admitted to threatening and abusive behaviour at Moylaragh Crescent in Balbriggan on June 12, 2010.

Garda Wayne Keown said Horan called him "a f**king p***k". The court heard Horan had 28 convictions, mostly for public order matters.

Defence lawyer Sharon Smith said Horan recently moved to Kildare with his girlfriend and their young daughter. He is a stay-at-home dad while his partner works four days a week.

Judge Patrick Brady fined Horan €1,500 and ordered him to complete 200 hours community service in lieu of eight months in prison.

hnews@herald.ie