A MAN WHO broke into his sister’s county Kildare home has been jailed for 11 months.

Alan Fagan (26) of Presentation Avenue, Gurranabraher, Cork, charged with theft at his sister’s home in College Farm Woods, Newbridge on 31 October 2016, appeared before Naas District Court on Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to theft. Charges of criminal damages were withdrawn.

Garda Shane Donnelly outlined to Naas District Court how at 4.30pm, Fagan is reported to have broken a window (causing €200 worth of damage) and taken a black Samsung tablet – valued at €400. There were no allegations of violence.

Evidence was given that the accused has 43 previous convictions, including trespass, robbery and assault.

Defence solicitor Matthew Byrne told the court how Fagan is a recovering heroin addict and has expressed remorse.

The court heard how he sold on his sister’s tablet to feed his habit and that it was an ‘opportunistic’ crime. He also said that Fagan’s partner is expecting their first child.

Evidence was given that Fagan is due to be released from prison for previous offences in September of this year.

Mr Byrne asked the court to take into account his early guilty plea.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said: “There are no boundaries… to rob his own sister.”

The judge sentenced the accused to 11 months in prison and granted free legal aid.