Judge queries cost of damages in Longford case

A woman accused of criminal damage will return before the court in February when Gardaí will clarify the estimated cost of damages at the centre of the case.

Michelle Donaldson (44) of 35 Silver Birches, Stonepark, Longford was charged with causing damage to an internal door belonging to another person.

Inspector Frank Finn told the court that at 12:20pm on August 3, 2022 Longford Garda station received a call regarding screaming and shouting by a female pushing a lawnmower around the estate in the Stonepark area.

When the officers arrived they heard screaming and shouting from a residence and observed a woman smashing objects in the house. Inspector Finn said the Gardaí spoke to the woman who was “extremely intoxicated and aggressive”.

As the officers arrested the woman for her own safety she spat at them and attempted to bite a Garda. She continued to be aggressive when she was taken to the Garda station.

Inspector Finn said the owner of the house estimated total cost of the damages at €4,000. The court was told the DPP directed for the summary disposal of the matter.

Judge Bernadette Owens noted the only charge before the court referred to the damage to an internal door. The Judge queried how it was possible that damages costing €4,000 could be inflicted on an internal door.

Judge Owens said she would adjourn the matter to February 21, 2023 to allow Gardaí ascertain the value of the damages outlined in the charge sheet before the court.