Offaly man caught by gardai in boarded up house says other people 'legged it'

'They were quicker than I was': 38-year-old trespasser had been drinking in vacant Edenderry property

Published 18th Sep 2026, 14:00 BST Man tells Tullamore District Court why he was found in vacant house | Tribune Pictures 'They were quicker than I was': 38-year-old trespasser had been drinking in vacant Edenderry property AN Edenderry man said he was caught by gardai trespassing in a boarded up house because his companions had “legged it”.

Gary Berry (38), Greenwood Park, Edenderry, pleaded guilty to trespassing at 41 JKL Street, Edenderry on September 4 last.

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Sergeant Brendan Kearns said Mr Berry had access to the property but did not give any reason for being there.

Mr Berry had two previous convictions, both for possession of drugs, Tullamore District Court heard.

Violence against politicians is ‘never acceptable’ warns Offaly TD Mr Berry, who was not represented by a solicitor when he appeared in court, was asked by Judge Andrew Cody if he had anything to say.

The man said he was very sorry and added that a few people were there having a few drinks.

“I ended up being the last one there,” he said. “They ran, they legged it out. They were quicker than I was.”

Sergeant Kearns told Judge Cody he accepted Mr Berry's honesty.

The judge imposed a fine of €250 and gave the man six months to pay it.