TWO BURGLARS with the same name – one from Coventry – have been jailed for a number of thefts across Warwickshire and the UK.
At Warwick Crown Court, Bernie McDonagh, 35, of Villiers Street, Coventry – referred to as Coventry McDonagh – was sentenced to two years in prison and fined £187 for two counts of burglary, one count of attempt burglary, and one count of going equipped for burglary.
Bernie McDonagh, 56, of Romford – referred to below as Romford McDonagh – was sentenced to four years, nine months, and two weeks in prison and fined £228 for three counts of burglary, one count of attempt burglary, one count of going equipped for burglary, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified.
He was also disqualified from holding a driving license for 270 days.
On August 1, both McDonaghs attempted to break into a property on Birchwood Road in Binley Woods, but only succeeded in damaging the lock and door frame.
They were both seen to drive up in a black Lexus and reverse on to the drive at the time.
On August 6, the McDonaghs broke into a property on Coventry Road in Bulkington through the rear door.
A 55-inch television, six watches, and a necklace were taken from the property, with a total value of around £3,100.
Again, both were seen on camera arriving in a black Lexus, and later loading the television into their car.
On August 10 on Main Street in Willey, the McDonaghs were witnessed breaking into a home and spending five minutes inside before leaving in a black Lexus.
This was also captured on CCTV footage.
They had ransacked the home and taken jewellery.
In November 2023, Romford McDonagh broke into a property on Bridge Avenue in Upminster, Essex, through the back door and stole cash and two watches with a total value of around £5,500.
DNA from the hammer used to break the glass on the rear door was analysed and traced back to Romford McDonagh.
DI Alan Hands of Warwickshire Police’s Serious Organised and Acquisitive Crime Team said: “The McDonaghs were of the opinion that they could go from house to house across the country and take what they liked, when they liked, without any repercussions.
“They used the same car each time and were caught on CCTV repeatedly, indicating that they took very little care in trying to remain unseen.
“It has been a pleasure for us to bring this little piece of reality to them through this prison sentence, and to give the victims of these burglaries the reassurance that they have been suitably punished for their crimes.”
