A Tandragee man was jailed after neighbors detained him for breaking into a Newry home and assaulting the homeowner.
Glenn Ethan Eamon Flynn appeared in court facing charges including burglary, assault, and criminal damage. He is 31 years old.
The incident occurred on September 7, 2023, shortly after 11 p.m. at a house in the Drumalane Park area.
Police found Flynn detained by a crowd, on the ground in his boxers without shoes and wet. The residents reported seeing a man try to open their door before he forcibly entered the house.
He ransacked the kitchen area, damaging a blood pressure monitor, a TV, and the kitchen sink. Water pipes broke, causing the kitchen to flood.
The homeowner confronted Flynn, who punched him in the head. The victim left to get help, and Flynn went upstairs. Upstairs, Flynn removed his trousers and smashed another television. He damaged the front door when leaving before the public detained him.
He verbally abused the police officers and swore at members of the public. Police arrested and took him into custody. A health card belonging to the homeowner was found in his boxers.
Flynn said he drank vodka that afternoon and did not remember the event, nor did he know why he went there. The prosecutor mentioned there was no prior connection between Flynn and the victims.
Flynn apologized for his actions in court and expressed feeling ashamed. The victim needed medical help and experienced stress and high blood pressure that he believes relate to the incident. The victim’s wife attends counseling, experiencing great anxiety and stress due to the event.
Property damage was around £2,000. Flynn’s barrister spoke of his remorse, claiming Flynn was going to a house party and went to another house by mistake. Flynn said he was not a housebreaker and is truly sorry for his actions.
Judge Ramsey stated the behavior was uncalled for, emphasizing the lack of history between Flynn and the victims. He felt Flynn regretted his actions, but jail time was necessary. Flynn received 18 months for the assault, with nine months in prison and nine months on license, and 12 months for the other charges, served concurrently.