Man in court after trespassing at former partner's Mayo home
A man who trespassed at and later broke into the home of his former partner in Mayo has pleaded guilty to the offences and will be sentenced later this year after a victim impact statement is obtained.
At a sitting of the court in Castlebar, Eamonn Bonner (32), of Castletown, Dunkineely, Co. Donegal, appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy, facing three charges arising from incidents in December 2025.
Court presenter Sergeant Conor McShane outlined that the accused faced charges including trespass and burglary contrary to Section 12 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.
Defence solicitor Ms. Cathy McDarby told the court that there was a plea in relation to criminal damage and that her client was entering pleas of guilty to trespass and burglary on December 5 and December 10, 2025.
Outlining the facts, Sergeant McShane said that on December 5, 2025, at approximately 9.20 a.m., the accused trespassed at the home of his former partner. She was not present at the time but later observed him on CCTV.
An investigation identified Bonner, who was subsequently charged.
The court heard that on December 10, 2025, Bonner again broke into her home while she was inside the house. She was unaware of his presence until he ran into a room towards her.
The injured party fled the house, and Bonner gave chase. She managed to reach a neighbouring property where she sought assistance. Bonner did not follow her into the neighbour’s home.
The incident was captured on CCTV.
Sergeant McShane told the court that Bonner has five previous convictions.
In mitigation, Ms. McDarby said her client is 32 years of age and currently living in Donegal with family members.
Two of his aunts were present in court to support him.
She said the family were not condoning his behaviour and had made contact with the victim to apologise.
The court heard the couple had been in a relationship for two years before it broke down.
Ms. McDarby said Bonner had been struggling with substance abuse issues and had gone to the house intending to discuss the end of the relationship.
She acknowledged that the incident would have been “a terrifying experience” for the injured party.
Bonner was arrested on December 18 and spent Christmas in custody, ultimately spending nine weeks on remand.
Due to his presentation at the time, the defence sought a psychiatric report.
The report outlined that Bonner had long-standing substance abuse issues that pre-dated the relationship and were exacerbated by the early death of his mother.
Ms. McDarby said her client has a supportive extended family and is now engaging with addiction supports. He is attending counselling, participating in online Narcotics Anonymous meetings and providing urinalysis samples.
She said the stringent terms of his High Court bail meant he could not currently work, but that he was taking the matter seriously and had remained sober.
Bonner also wished to issue a “categorical apology” to the injured party for his actions, the court heard.
He accepted his behaviour was “appalling” and that the nine weeks he spent in custody were “nothing in comparison to what she had to endure”.
Judge Murphy said the court was dealing with two serious offences committed in the context of an intimate partner relationship and occurring on two separate occasions at the victim’s home.
She noted the contents of the psychiatrist's report and the mitigation advanced by the defence.
The judge directed that Bonner engage with the probation service ahead of sentencing and said a victim impact statement would also be required.
The case was adjourned to May 6 for the preparation of the probation report and to allow the injured party an opportunity to provide a victim impact statement.
* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.