A cousin of murdered Gary Hutch, who has had special security arrangements put in place for him in custody, has been jailed for two and a half years for burglary.
Samuel Hutch (40) of Cardiffsbridge Avenue, Finglas, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to trespass and possession of a stolen bicycle in Sandymount on October 25th last. He also pleaded guilty to damaging a car door in Ringsend on the same date.
Hutch, who has 89 previous convictions, further admitted to a burglary in Cabra on February 6th last.
His previous convictions include 39 burglaries, possession of a phone in prison, robbery, theft, criminal damage, as well as road traffic and drugs offences.
At the original sentencing hearing in June, Judge Melanie Greally heard that Hutch would have special difficulties in serving his prison sentence due to his security arrangements in custody.
He is not allowed visitors or to mingle with other prisoners and cannot access prison facilities or courses due to those arrangements.
The court heard there was an “environment of fear and tension” and Hutch was “isolated” and “extremely lonely”.
Breffni Gordon, defending, said it was “clear from his name” and security arrangements that he was related to the Hutch family who have been discussed in the media. He said part of his client’s troubles of late are connected with events outside prison and the courts.
‘Brand of criminality’
He said Hutch was affected by the death of his cousin Gary to whom he was close. However, counsel said he was “a completely different character” who was not associated with the “brand of criminality” of other members of his family.
Mr Gordon said Hutch had fallen into drug addiction at 16 years old and offended to feed his habit.
He said although Hutch did not have access to a drug counsellor due to his security arrangements he has detoxed in custody and is now medicated only for health issues. He said because of difficulties in recent times Hutch intended on his release to take an opportunity to start his life afresh “somewhere else.”
Judge Greally accepted that Hutch was “encountering particular difficulties” and took into account his guilty plea and the fact the burglaries were committed to fund his addiction.
She noted that despite his situation he is addressing his addiction in prison.
Judge Greally sentenced Hutch to a consecutive sentence totalling four years but suspended the final 18 months of that term on strict conditions.