Two guilty of theft from mansion owned by son of Euromillions winner

Property was stolen from mansion owned by son of Dolores McNamara

Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara, from Limerick, receiving her cheque in 2005. Photograph: Frank Miller
Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara, from Limerick, receiving her cheque in 2005. Photograph: Frank Miller

Two men have pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a burglary at the lakeside mansion owned by the son of Euromillions winner, Dolores McNamara.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Jeffrey Lee (41) of Cosgrove Park, Moyross, Limerick 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.

Mr Lee's co-accused, Declan Browne 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 Rd, Limerick.

Counsel for Mr Lee, Mark Nicholas, yesterday sought an adjournment in the sentencing of his client in order to obtain Mr Lee’s medical records from University College Hospital Limerick.

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Mr Nicholas said: “My client has a significant history in relation to unstable medical issues and has been in a very well-known psychiatric unit in Limerick from time to time and it informs some of the behaviour in this case.”

Mr Nicholas said that his client had indicated his plea of guilty to the State at a early date.

Mr Lee was remanded on bail to the hearing and Mr Nicholas said that Mr Lee has never been in trouble before in relation to bail.

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

It is understood that 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 onto the lake.

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

Ms McNamara lives nearby at Lough Derg Hall that she bought for €1.7 million. Tinerana house was purchased last year by the McNamaras from Nama appointed receivers, PWC.

Judge Gerald Keyes yesterday remanded both Mr Lee and Mr Browne to re-appear before Ennis Circuit Court on January 12th next to fix a date for sentence.

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan is a contributor to The Irish Times