A HEROIN addict who broke into former taoiseach Bertie Ahern's constituency office because he was "just bored", and thought there might be "something of value" in it, has been given a seven-year sentence .
Paul Bewley (36), was carrying a laptop computer wrapped in an Irish rugby jersey when caught by gardaí minutes after breaking into St Luke's in Drumcondra.
Bewley of Summerhill Parade, Ballybough, Dublin, told gardaí he burgled St Luke's after he spotted security cameras surrounding it as there was nothing else to do.
Garda Kevin Keegan said Bewley was on temporary release from prison when he and an accomplice robbed €530 in cash and €22 worth of cigarettes from a service station three months later.
Bewley pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the burglary of Mr Ahern's office on March 10th, 2007, and to the robbery of the Maxol service station, Richmond Road on June 27th, 2007.
He had 24 previous convictions, the majority of which were for burglary, along with one of escape from lawful custody.
Judge Katherine Delahunt ordered that the laptop be "returned to its owner", and imposed seven years in consecutive sentences, with the final two suspended on conditions.
Seán Gillane, defending, said Bewley had a 20-year criminal history which dated back to an appearance in the Children's Court where he received six months' detention for his first conviction. He said Bewley had exhibited a "pattern of delinquency" which culminated into a criminal history. "His life has been pockmarked by offending, serving a sentence, reoffending and serving a sentence." Garda Keegan told prosecuting counsel Karen O'Connor that gardaí who arrived at St Luke's after the alarms were activated saw Bewley leaving and soon apprehended him in a nearby park.
Garda Keegan agreed with Mr Gillane that Bewley claimed it was the security cameras that had attracted him to the then taoiseach's office because he thought there would be something of value in the building. He also accepted that Bewley intended to sell the laptop to buy drugs.