Man pleads guilty to thefts from church donation boxes

A 30-year-old man of no fixed abode pleaded guilty today to theft and criminal damage at a number of chuches in the west and midlands region.

Martin Maughan pleaded guilty to three charges when he appeared before Judge Rory MacCabe at the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage to three donation boxes at St. Mary's Church, Westport, the property of Fr. Charlie McDonnell, on April 30, 2015.

He also pleaded guilty to the theft of €35 from a collection box – the property of Mayo Mountain Rescue – at The Derrylahan licensed premises, Louisburgh, on May 24, 2015.

The accused also pleaded guilty to stealing €200 from a collection box at Tubberclare Church, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, on May 8 last.

Judge MacCabe adjourned sentenced to February 16 next and ordered the preparation of a Probation Report.