Traveller cousins were 'stoned' as they carried out raids in Naas

Two cousins who are members of the Traveller community were jailed for carrying a string of burglaries in the Naas and Caragh areas earlier this year.

Dad-of-eight James Lynch (32) with an address in Our Lady's Place in Naas was sentenced to a total of 22 months at Naas District Court.

Michael Lynch (25) of Ballymakealy Lawns, Celbridge was jailed for 20 months for his part in the crimes.

James Lynch was convicted of burglaries at Naas Driving School and at Glendon's Butchers in Caragh on April 3 last.

Gardai who arrived at the scene in Caragh searched the boot of the Audi car the cousins were driving and found a shovel, three sets of gloves and a home-made balaclava.

A door at Naas Driving School had been forced open with a sledgehammer and a cash box with eight sets of keys was taken.

A dark-coloured Audi vehicle in which the men were driving was seen at the scene.

James Lynch was also convicted of burglary at Killashee House Hotel in which €2,600 of alcohol was taken and was never recovered.

The court heard that he was identified on CCTV on the premises.

Both men admitted to taking drugs and alcohol on the night of the incident.

Gardai said the men appeared stoned when they were arrested in Caragh on the night.

The court heard that James Lynch had 61 previous convictions including nine for burglary, seven for theft and two for firearms.

Michael Lynch had 42 previous convictions including six for theft and three for criminal damage.

Defence solicitor David Powderly said the defendants were afraid of going to prison because an internal family feud could put their lives at risk.

Michael Lynch said he suffered from depression in the past but Judge Desmond Zaidan said that using drugs and alcohol would make his condition worse.