Man broke windows at house in Laois

Criminal damage to windows initially quoted at almost €10,000 were reduced to €1,520 when queried by a defendant at Portlaoise District Court. 

John Delaney, 31, of Cardtown, Mountrath admitted criminal damage to windows of a house at Bellview Court, Mountrath on November 7, 2022. He also admitted possessing a black wavin pipe at the address during the same incident. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty to the offence but there was “an issue last time about the alleged value of the damage done” to the windows. 

He said  “it was almost €10,000” but that was since clarified and the damage is now valued at just over €1,500. 

“We are happy to accept the council’s figure,” said Mr Meagher. 

“He said he will obviously make good on that and he will just take one month to do so,” he said. 

Judge Nicola Andrews adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on April 15.