Man smashed windows of car in Portlaoise

A man admitted smashing the windows of a car belonging to his girlfriend's father. 

Brian Darcy (24) of 18 Harpurs Crescent, Knockmay, Portlaoise, was accused of producing an article being a hockey stick and breaking two car windows at Telefords, Clonminam Business Park in Portlaoise on November 6, 2024. 

Andrew Dunne BL told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that his client was pleading guilty to the offence.  

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said gardai responded to a call to the business park where it was alleged the defendant had caused damage to the victim’s father’s vehicle. He said the defendant had 44 previous convictions and six of them were for criminal damage. 

Judge Deirdre Gearty asked for a monetary value on the damage that had been done during the incident.

Sgt Hughes said the total damage amounted to €1,000.

Judge Gearty said she was putting the matter back for restitution, a victim impact report and a probation and welfare report. She said the defendant had “an appalling record” and she asked for an assessment of suitability for community service. 

Mr Dunne said his client was not working and he asked for some time in order to get the compensation. 

Judge Gearty adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on December 8.