Longford burglar who stole jewellery and had knives in his possession hit with jail term

A man who along with a female friend burgled a house in Ferefad on October 17, 2025, while the owner was away has been sentenced to nine months in prison.  

Darren Reilly of 13 Pearse View, Longford, was charged with having entered the building as a trespasser and with having committed an arrestable offence, namely theft. Mr Reilly was also charged with having possession of a knife on the same date. 

A summary of facts read out in court during a previous hearing revealed that Mr Reilly and his female co-accused had used a shovel to access a property at 2am where they remained until 8am at which point they were spotted by vigilant neighbours who in turn alerted Gardaí.

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During their time in the property, they stole €4,500 worth of jewellery. 

Speaking in court at the time, Sgt Mark Mahon said both had “made full admissions” to the offences. The sergeant also disclosed that when Mr Reilly was searched upon being arrested, he was found in possession of a Stanley knife, a small kitchen knife, and a screwdriver. 

Mr Reilly’s solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client - who is currently serving an eight month sentence since last October - had “turned a corner” since being in prison and that he had remained clean since going into custody. 

Mr Quinn explained, “I would say Darren pleaded as early as he could. He has full time employment when he gets out and is eager to get back into work upon his release as he previously had a very good employment record.”   

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Prior to handing down sentencing, Judge Bernadette Owens noted the defendant’s plea of guilty to the charges but pointed out that the facts of the case meant it ranked at the higher end of the scale.    

Referencing the Victim Impact Statement which she described as very honest, Judge Bernadette Owens pointed out that the burglary had been an invasion of the woman’s home as the two accused “went through the entirety of the house and items were rifled through.” She added that “the only redeeming feature is that she (the home owner) was not present at the time.” 

Judge Owens also noted from the governor’s report “does identify that he is an enhanced prisoner” and that he was putting his time in custody to “constructive use” which, the Judge said, was positive for Mr Reilly.  

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Imposing a sentence of nine months, she backdated it to December 16 last, with the final two months suspended on Mr Reilly’s own bond of €200.