Man charged with theft after jewels and crucifix stolen from Louth church
Defendant accused of stealing the stem, jewels and crucifix from the monstrance in St Peter’s Church, Drogheda, and with damaging the monstrance
The DPP has directed a trial on indictment in the case of a 37-year-old man accused of stealing jewels and other items from the monstrance in St Peter’s Church in Drogheda.
Marcin Jablonski, of no fixed abode, is charged with, on 14 June last at St Peter’s Church, West Steet, stealing the stem, jewels and crucifix from the monstrance to the value of €1,000, the property of Fr Eugene Sweeney.
The defendant is further accused of damaging the monstrance.
Mr Jablonski appeared in custody. The court heard that a book of evidence was ready and that the DPP had also consented to a send forward on signed pleas of guilty.
Barrister Stephen Faulkner asked that the matter go back for two weeks to take instructions and for the defendant to be produced in court that day should the instruction be to go forward on signed pleas.
In a separate case, Mr Jablonski pleaded guilty to assaulting a female at Oldbridge, Drogheda on 19 April last.
He has also admitted using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour or words, at Rathmullen Road, Drogheda on 13 June 2022.
Other public order charges were withdrawn by the State.
Mr Faulkner said the summary matters could be dealt with, but Judge Gearty remarked she was not in a position to deal with them at a holiday sitting. A victim impact statement would have to be canvassed in any event.
All charges were put back to Drogheda Court on 12 September.