Naas mother of newborn baby tells how she saw her car on fire
A man has been sentenced to prison today after the court heard how he was allegedly involved in setting fire to a car in the driveway of a Naas mother tending to her newborn son.
The young mother appeared at Naas District Court, today, recalling through tears, how on March 7, 2015, she was in her sitting-room at Sunday's Well,Naas. The court heard how she was after giving a bath to her six weeks old son and had placed him into a bouncer.
The accused, with an address in Naas, faced charges of Arson ( Section 6) while public order charges were withdrawn,
She said: "I heard a bang in front of my house, my car was in flames. I remember shouting to my mother and I said, 'my car is on fire.'"
The young mother told the court how the accused had a 'falling out' with her boyfriend.
According to the injured party, there were a number of people fleeing from the scene but she recognised the accused.
She told how she ran outside and recognised a hat with a red bobble that she had seen the accused wear. She alleged that she called his name, and he turned, looking at her 'directly' , and then approached her with a hammer, proceeding to smash the windows of the car , while it was alight.
She told the court how she had known the accused to see for about 12 years.
The court heard how she fled into the house, and her mother rang 999.
Evidence was heard how there were baby presents in the boot of the car when it was set on fire and the young mother had taken out a credit union loan to purchase the 2007 car , a short time before the incident.
Defence Solicitor, Tony Hanohoe, argued that with dim streetlighting, and not knowing the accused very well, that she did not actually see the accused.
However, she responded: "I have known him for 12 years."
In court, Garda Ned Malone, of Naas Garda Station, outlined how the station received a call between 9.30pm and 9.35pm.
He outlined how he went to the scene of the alleged arson at 9.45pm and how the injured party's car had been burned out.
In court today, the accused denied burning the car and smashing the windows. He claimed that he was in the Town House Hotel at the time of the incident.
A nieghbour of his who he met at the TownHouse appeared in court stating that they were there while the incident in Sunday's Well took place.
Under cross -examination, Supt Martin Walker asked the accused why he had not mentioned in his statement how he got a taxi from the TownHouse, with his friend, and had gone to give his mother 30euros.
During this time, it is understood that his friend played a game of darts at his own house.
Supt Walker argued that the injured party's evidence was very clear while there were time gaps on the accused's part.
The court heard how the accused has 23 previous convictions including a recent 12 months sentence for Section 3 Assault.
He also has previous for blackmail and possession of drugs for sale and supply.
Mr Hanahoe outlined how the accused is 27-years-old and is in a relationship with three children. He is currently employed.
Judge David Waters imposed an eight months sentence.