Prison ‘best thing’ to happen to Laois man

A man who admitted a number of offences said prison has been “the best thing” to happen to him. 

John McDonagh, 19, of 42 Willow Grove, Mountmellick, admitted the unauthorised taking of a car from Distillery Court, Monasterevin on March 7, 2023. He also admitted driving off without paying for fuel valued at €32.88 at Fitzpatrick’s Garage in Monasterevin on March 7, 2023. 

He damaged a car at Lord Edward Street, Mountmellick on July 2, 2023.  Garda Cathal Burke said the defendant smashed the rear window of a car on Lord Edward Street, Mountmellick at 2am. He said €200 worth of damage was caused and gardai identified the accused through DNA. 

The court was told the defendant went into a shop on Connolly Street in Mountmellick on January 12, 2023 and stole a €3 can of energy drink. 

On January 18, 2023 the accused attempted to break the driver’s window of a car  at Connolly Street in Mountmellick. 

On March 1, 2023, the defendant stole two wrenches and a pair of work gloves with a total value of €96 from Glanbia, Parnell Street, Mountmellick.  

On February 22, 2023 he entered the Spar Express in Mountrath and stole food valued at €15 and two large cans of Redbull.   

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused had eleven previous convictions. 

Solicitor Michael Byrne said his client’s previous convictions were all committed as a minor.

He said at the time of the offending his client was “essentially homeless” and was associating with a bad peer group. He was using tablets and drugs but Mr Byrne said he was now drug free. 

“He says to me that whilst prison has been a very, very difficult experience, it was probably the best thing to happen to him,” said Mr Byrne. 

Mr Byrne said his client had removed himself from the negative peer group and has written a letter to the court. He said the man was serving a sentence till May 6. 

“His mother and father are in court here today,” said Mr Byrne. 

“If he is released into the bosom of his family, that will make sure that he abides by the rule of law,” he said. 

Judge Cephas Power thanked the defendant for the letter which he said he had read. He noted the man had “strong family support” but said the offending painted a very poor picture. 

He sentenced the man to five months in prison backdated to December 22, 2023 when he went into custody. He imposed a further eight month sentence which he suspended for two years. 

“He will have the eight months hanging over him for a period of two years,” said Judge Power.