GARDAÍ identified a burglar who smashed his way into a pub to steal drink through CCTV installed on the premises, a local court has been told.
Patrick Mongan, from 61 Cashel Park, Letterkenny, pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of a steel bar for use in the course of the burglary.
He smashed his way into Tinney’s Bar in Castlefin on October 30 last, Inspector Michael Harrison told Letterkenny District Court.
The inspector said when the gardai examined the CCTV system in the pub, a black Renault Megane could be seen pulling up outside the bar. Two men got out of the car and one of them went to the boot to get a steel bar and handed it to the other man, Patrick Mongan.
Mongan could be seen smashing a window to gain access to the bar where he stole a bottle of Brandy, a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of vodka with a total value of €90. Damage totalling €650 was done to the pub.
“Mr Mongan was arrested and he did make admissions to breaking the window and entering the premises,” said Inspector Harrison.
Mongan has 39 previous convictions relating to offences in Donegal and Monaghan.
He also faced a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour at Cashel Park in December last year relating to another incident.
It was alleged that Mongan had threatened gardai at his home in which he told a garda that he would smash his head off concrete and added: “You’ll be leaving here in a box.”
Two other charges were also put involving thefts from Kelly’s Centra at Mountain Top and Sweeney’s at Ballyraine.
The case was adjourned for a month, with Judge Paul Kelly granting Bail – 500 euro – sign on daily at Letterkenny garda station.