Quakers Hill: Thomas John Irving jailed for two break and enters

A Blacktown father of two has been jailed after two failed break in attempts in Western Sydney, followed by 12 month on the run.

Thomas John Irving. Photo: Contributed

A Blacktown father has been jailed after two failed break and enters in Western Sydney in 2023, followed by 12 months on the run.

Thomas John Irving, 46, appeared in the Blacktown Local Court via videolink on Monday where the court heard details of Irving’s two break ins at Quakers Hill in 2023 – both of which ended with Irving leaving empty-handed.

The court was told Irving broke into the two homes between 3am and 4am on April 17, 2023.

One homeowner called the police after their security camera detected movement in their backyard, while the other victim did not even realise they had been broken into.

Irving did not steal any property from either home and was not charged by police until more than a year after the fact, following a forensic evidence match.

The break ins were not planned or premeditated, the court was heard.

The court was told Irving had an extensive criminal history and was a father of two.

His mother was a single parent, and he began smoking marijuana in his younger years however had since stopped using the drug.

Irving had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and showed symptoms of paranoia, the court was told.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of break and enter, and was sentenced to five months jail for both offences.