A YOUNG man will be sentenced later this month for his role in a "devastating" burglary at a well-known service station in
west Limerick.
Michael Nevin, aged 20, who has an address at Southill in Limerick city, has pleaded guilty to a number of charges arising from an incident at Adams of Glin last September.
During a sentencing hearing, Judge Colin Daly was told the defendant had come before him on a signed plea - the charges are burglary, criminal damage and possession of implements.
Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Neil O’Gorman.
The detective told the court that on September 17, 2025, at 12:48am, a vehicle pulled up outside the Mace store and that
Mr Nevin was observed on CCTV getting out of the passenger seat.
He said a grinder tool was used to open the shutters and the defendant entered the premises with another person.
A third individual remained outside, acting as lookout. All three men were wearing ski masks and gloves throughout the burglary.
Footage, which was played to the court, showed the cigarette machine being targeted by Mr Nevin, using a sledgehammer to gain access.
Cigarettes, worth around €18,000, were stolen from the family-run business and €10,000 in damage was caused by the intruders.
Upon entering the store, an alarm was triggered and Garda William McElligot subsequently attended the scene along with the owner of the premises, Shane Adams.
Detective Garda O’Gorman said the burglary lasted for just six-and-a-half minutes.
As the culprits were attempting to make their escape, Michael Nevin fell out of the getaway car and attempted to flee on foot.
He was located in the garage of a nearby property and arrested a short time later. Two ski masks were found on him and he has been in custody since.
Judge Daly was told he availed of his right to silence during two garda interviews and that he made no comment when cautioned.
In his Victim Impact Statement, Shane Adams, owner of the store, said the incident had been “devastating” for him.
He said the shop had to close for repairs following the incident which put a further “strain” on cash flow for the small business.
The ordeal has taken its toll on him as he now lives in a “constant state of anxiety” when opening and closing the shop.
Mr Adams said he lives with a “level of stress that is exhausting to manage."
Barrister Liam Carroll said he “can’t excuse” what Mr Nevin did but asked the court to note he had “fallen in with the wrong crowd” who “led him to this place” due to their “encouragement and support.”
Mr Carroll said the young man knows there will be repercussions, particularly as he was on bail at the time. He has one previous conviction for possession of an article with intent to cause injury and is currently awaiting sentencing on another matter.
Mr Carroll said letters of apology had been penned by Mr Nevin to the shopkeeper and Judge Daly.
He said his life “wasn’t easy” as he is from the “rough area” of Southill and had no role model growing up since his father was in and out of prison.
Mr Nevin stated this is “not the life I want” and that he understands it is “up to me to change my life for the better."
He said he wishes to be reunited with his partner and has availed of all prison services.
Mr Caroll told the court being in prison has had a “profound effect” on his client.
Having heard the evidence and submissions, Judge Daly indicated he will pass sentence, on April 21.
