Man fined for burglary at murdered criminal’s home

A man who burgled the home of 'Fat' Andy Connors, who was murdered a year ago, has been fined €500.

Jason Mansfield (28), with addresses at Crooksling, Saggart, and Kiltalawn Grove, Tallaght, had pleaded guilty to burglary at The Old Dog Pound, Boherboy, Tallaght, on March 15th, 2015.

Connors (45) died after being shot at his west Dublin home in front of his wife and children.

At Tallaght District Court, Judge Patrick Clyne was told by counsel for the defenc Michael Hennessy that on the last date his client had pleaded guilty.

Judge John Coughlan had heard the evidence and was about to impose a €500 fine when Mr Connors's widow, Ann, had made an intervention in the case and approached the bench. She claimed Mansfield had threatened to kill her and the case should not be heard in the District Court.

Sergeant Eithne Madden said a file had been sent to the DPP in the case. Mr Hennessy said the court had already accepted jurisdiction. Sgt Madden said that the prosecuting garda, Ed Walsh, had arranged to take a statement from Ms Connors but Ms Connors failed to turn up.

She said Garda Walsh had been injured in the interim and had been unable to arrange another meeting.

Judge Clyne asked to hear the facts of the case. Sergeant Madden said that on March 15th, gardai responded to a call at the Old Dog Pound.

Arriving at the scene, they found a window open but there were no forced signs of entry.

She said Ms Connors opened the back door and Mansfield was found in the house in a very drunk state.

She said that nobody was injured in the incident.

Judge Clyne fined Mansfield €500.

Regarded by gardaí as a prolific criminal, Connors had clashed with a Dublin businessman with strong links to organised crime, and had been subjected to extortion demands by the Real IRA.