Party-goer who ransacked house was identified by his DNA profile

DNA PROFILING helped gardaí identify a man who broke into a holiday home in Church Cross outside Skibbereen.

The accused, James O'Driscoll (20) of Ballyhandle, Crossbarry, did not immediately confess to the crime of causing criminal damage to a window panel in the front door of the house he ransacked at Letterscanlan on March 11th and 12th 2016.

But when the case came before Judge Marie Keane in Skibbereen, he was legally represented by Pat Horan, solicitor, and offered a guilty plea.

Insp Fergal Foley said that after gaining entry, the accused ransacked the house but left without taking anything, and that a DNA profile taken at the scene matched O'Driscoll's. 

He also told the court that James O'Driscoll has one previous conviction for theft.

Mr Horan said his client had come to Church Cross to attend a party and he asked the judge to be lenient on the basis that his client has ‘learning difficulties.'

He said his client's parents were in court because they, like his client, were taking the matter very seriously.

‘He doesn't have much recollection of it and nothing was taken,' the solicitor added.

Judge Keane adjourned the case to the September 12th sitting of Skibbereen District Court for the payment of compensation for the damage to the door. 

If the money is paid on time, the judge said she would consider ordering the accused to do 80 hours' community service.