Prison sentence for trespass at parish homes in Kilkenny

A repeat offender who entered as a trespasser on the grounds of St Canices Parish Homes was handed down a five month prison sentence at Kilkenny District Court.
Ger Barry, Good Shepherd Centre, Church Lane, Kilkenny pleaded guilty to the offence which took place at St Canice’s Parish Homes, Troyscourt, Kilkenny on August 28.
Sergeant Morgan O’Connor outlined to the court that on August 27, 2025 a male entered the property and was trying to open doors. The sergeant added that on the date in question Mr Barry appeared to be ‘out of it’ and that a staff member was in fear both for herself and for the elderly residents living in the home.
The court heard that the defendant has 199 previous convictions and is currently serving a prison sentence with a release date next June.
Mr Barry also pleaded guilty to having drugs in his possession for personal use at Kilkenny Garda Station on August 24. He is also charged with a burglary offence at the Castle Road, Kilkenny on August 27. State solicitor Gerry Meaney said that the DPP had consented for the matter to go forward to the next sittings of Kilkenny Circuit Court on November 18 on a signed plea.
Solicitor Ed Hughes told the court that his client had entered a plea at ‘the earliest opportunity’ in relation to the trespass charge.
“The majority of his offending relates to an entrenched drug addiction and he accepts responsibility for his actions.
“He has over 199 previous convictions and it is very rare that he would be violent or damage property,” He said.
Judge Geraldine Carthy remarked that the defendant was out on bail at the time of the offence and convicted him and sentenced him to a five month sentence, to be served consecutively to his current sentence.