Man broke into woman's flat and stole child’s medication
A man with 186 convictions broke into the flat of a young mother in Waterford City.
Thomas Costigan (34), of O’Connell Court, committed burglary contrary to Section 12 against the Theft and Fraud Offences Act. At around 5am on May 21, 2025, he broke into a complex on Penrose Lane and scoped out apartments. CCTV footage showed him lurking by apartment windows, looking for an opening. He was seen climbing through a window and entering into an apartment. The apartment was the home of a single mother and her young child. On the morning in question, mother and child were staying with family. However, her brother and pregnant sister-in-law were staying in the flat.
Costigan went through the flat searching for valuables. He stole the young child’s anti-seizure medication, which was valued at €152. He also took an ice cream from the freezer and left the red wrapper behind. One of the occupants in the flat woke up after hearing a noise made by Costigan as he crept through the flat. He left after hearing one of the occupants calling out from the bedroom.
Gardaí were called and identified Costigan through security cameras. The burglary has left the occupants in a state of fear, as the mother stated: "My son does not want to stay here anymore. I feel like I cannot protect my son anymore."
Waterford Circuit Court heard that Costigan had 186 previous convictions, including offences related to theft and trespassing. He will serve three years in prison and be subject to supervision for six months post release.
