Two men involved in McNamara burglary behind bars

Gordon Deegan Two men who went missing after pleading guilty to charges in connection with a burglary at the lakeside mansion owned by the son of Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara are now behind bars.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Monday, both Jeffrey Lee (42) of Cosgrove Park, Moyross, Limerick, and Declan Browne (27) of Lackyle, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, were brought before the court by the prison service in custody.

In the case, Mr Lee has pleaded guilty to entering Tinerana House, the property of Gary McNamara as a trespasser and committing theft on dates between August 17th and September 14th, 2013.

Lee’s accomplice, Browne, has pleaded guilty to handling stolen property that includes antique bathroom fittings, antique chandeliers, candelabras and light fittings, copper wiring and cylinders on September 13th, 2013, at Clear Circle Metals at Ballysimon Road, Limerick.

Both pleaded guilty to the respective offences at Ennis Circuit Court last November and were remanded on bail.

However, on two separate court dates earlier this year, Judge Gerard Keys issued a warrant for their arrest on applications from the State after both accused failed to show up in court.

At Ennis District Court in July, Browne was jailed for six months after pleading guilty to entering PJ Ryan Oil as a trespasser between October 7th and October 8th, 2014, and committing theft there.

The court was told that father of two has 43 previous convictions including six for burglary.

Gary McNamara and his wife, Michelle, purchased the home for €1.46 million at the end of January 2013.

It is understood the McNamaras paid an additional €2 million for 270 acres of surrounding lands in the estate on the shores of Lough Derg that includes 2.3km of frontage on to the lake.

No one was living in the 19th-century, 16-bedroom home at the time of the burglary.

Dolores McNamara lives nearby at Lough Derg Hall, which she bought for €1.7 million.

Tinerana house was purchased in 2013 by the McNamaras from Nama appointed receivers PWC.

Judge Keys remanded the two accused in custody to November 24th for sentence.