Man jailed for burglaries from home of deceased neighbour in Co Leitrim

A man has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for carrying out burglaries and thefts from the home and accounts of a deceased neighbour in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim.

Maksym Sharii (25), of Aughakilbrack, Drumshanbo, appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon Criminal Circuit Court facing 20 charges relating to burglary and theft between October 1 and November 16, 2024.

The court heard that the offences centred on the home of the late Peter Robinson, who lived close to Sharii.

Sharii pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and two counts of theft, including the taking of guitars, groceries, alcohol, and the theft and use of a bank debit card. The remaining charges were taken into consideration. The total value of the property taken amounted to €6,126.

Judge John Alymer said the offences were committed shortly after Mr Robinson died in “very unfortunate circumstances,” with thefts also carried out from his bank accounts after his death using cards obtained during the burglaries.

He described the offending as a “gross and callous disrespect” to the deceased and his family, adding that the case fell into the mid-range of seriousness due to its aggravating features.

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Prior to mitigation, Judge Alymer said the burglary offences warranted a sentence of four-and-a-half years, with three years for the theft offences, to run concurrently.

The court heard that Sharii had cooperated with the investigation, although he initially gave false accounts which he later changed. An early guilty plea and engagement with rehabilitation were also noted.

A serious gambling addiction was identified as being at the root of the offending.

Judge Alymer said Sharii, a qualified physiotherapist, had the potential to contribute positively to society, but noted ongoing concerns around dishonesty, including in his dealings with the probation service.

The court also heard that Sharii was beginning to show signs of empathy.

Taking mitigating factors into account, Judge Alymer imposed a sentence of three years and four months for the burglary offences and two years and three months for the theft offences, to run concurrently.

The final 10 months of the sentence were suspended in light of Sharii’s remorse and efforts at rehabilitation.

He will serve an effective sentence of two years and six months, taking into account time already spent in custody.