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07/03/2008
100 Break-Ins Burglar Behind Bars.
A man convicted of over 100 burglaries has been sentenced to 4 and a half years in prison.
James Dean Meneely, 39, from Rogan Manor in Newtownabbey, pleaded guilty to 46 residential burglaries, two business break-ins and asked 55 further offences be taken into consideration.
The four year crime spree committed by Meneely, which he began in April 2003, netted him over £170,000 including £35,000 in antiques and silver taken from a business premises in Donegal Pass.
A defence barrister said Meneely expressed remorse and concern for the victims of his crimes. He explained Meneely had committed the robberies to pay back money he owed to paramilitaries, initially borrowed to fund his gambling addition.
Belfast Crown Court was told that Meneely would shatter windows of the properties he targeted using a blow torch.
Almost all of the break-ins were committed during the day when the occupants were out, although on three occasions they returned home during the burglary.
Meneely's last break-in was at Bradford Heights in Carrickfergus on 20 March. He fled the house after being disturbed by a neighbour.
However, he was caught by police in a nearby field and whilst in custody, confessed to carrying out a spate of burglaries over several years.
He even went out in a PSNI car, pointing out houses he had broken into to the officers accompanying him.
(DW/JM)
James Dean Meneely, 39, from Rogan Manor in Newtownabbey, pleaded guilty to 46 residential burglaries, two business break-ins and asked 55 further offences be taken into consideration.
The four year crime spree committed by Meneely, which he began in April 2003, netted him over £170,000 including £35,000 in antiques and silver taken from a business premises in Donegal Pass.
A defence barrister said Meneely expressed remorse and concern for the victims of his crimes. He explained Meneely had committed the robberies to pay back money he owed to paramilitaries, initially borrowed to fund his gambling addition.
Belfast Crown Court was told that Meneely would shatter windows of the properties he targeted using a blow torch.
Almost all of the break-ins were committed during the day when the occupants were out, although on three occasions they returned home during the burglary.
Meneely's last break-in was at Bradford Heights in Carrickfergus on 20 March. He fled the house after being disturbed by a neighbour.
However, he was caught by police in a nearby field and whilst in custody, confessed to carrying out a spate of burglaries over several years.
He even went out in a PSNI car, pointing out houses he had broken into to the officers accompanying him.
(DW/JM)
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