‘Broken man’ who stole suitcase at Longford train station given opportunity to avoid jail

A defendant with 125 previous convictions and two suspended sentences who is in “poor health” was told he can avoid prison if he has €250 in court for his victim when the matter returns before Longford District Court in July.

William McDonnell (50) of 13 Sandylane Apartments, Richmond Street, Longford faced two charges. The defendant pleaded guilty to the theft of an orange suitcase containing clothes and toiletries on August 25, 2023 at Longford Train Station, Convent Road, Longford.

The second charge was of public intoxication on February 24, 2024 at Paraic Colum Heights, Longford.

Outlining details of the matters before the court Sergeant Enda Daly said on August 25 at 2:45pm a person travelling on the Sligo-Dublin train had their suitcase removed.

Having reviewed CCTV footage Mr McDonnell was identified taking the orange suitcase from the train.

Officers executed a search warrant, but the property was not recovered. Mr McDonnell made an admission about taking the case.

The court heard the defendant had 125 previous convictions, primarily for road traffic and drug possession offences.
Solicitor John Quinn described his client as “a broken man”.

He told the court Mr McDonnell had lost two sons in the last number of months. Mr Quinn said the defendant had been living rough, but with the help of support services he had attained accommodation.

The solicitor said his client is in poor health.

Noting that Mr McDonnell had two suspended sentences hanging over him Judge Bernadette Owens said: “Without any doubt he is in custodial sentence territory.”

Judge Owens acknowledged that Mr McDonnell is engaging with the services offered to him “in a positive manner”.

“I have to look at the proportionality of a custodial sentence and how it would impact on the progress he has made,” Judge Owens said.

Adjourning the case to July 16, Judge Owens said this would afford the defendant the opportunity to bring €250 into court.

Judge Owens concluded: “I am making no promises to Mr McDonnell, but if you have the money in court I may be persuaded not to impose a custodial sentence.”