Longford man pleads guilty to criminal damage

A Longford man with a 'problem with alcohol' will be assessed by the Probation Services before he comes back before Longford District Court in June. Paul Dowler (49) of 7 Victory Court, Earl Street, Longford was before Judge Bernadette Owens on four charges.

Sergeant Mark Mahon outlined details of the incidents on August 29, and October 1, 4 and 5 of 2022. Mr Dowler pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage and three public order offences.

Relating details of the offences that happened at Great Water Street, Longford in August Sgt Mahon said officers were made aware of an incident involving a female. The officers spoke to Dowler who was “in a highly intoxicated state”. The defendant was directed to leave the area, but refused to do so.

Mr Dowler was arrested and “words were exchanged”, but Sgt Mahon accepted that it was on “the lower scale”. On October 1, 2022 the defendant was present when another individual damaged the door of an apartment by removing the seal.

The two remaining charges related to an incident when the defendant was drunk in a public place and “arrested for his own safety”.

Solicitor for the defendant, John Quinn, pointed out that Mr Dowler did not inflict the criminal damage, but was present at the time. He said his client recognised he had a responsibility because of his presence.

“Paul accepts he has a drink problem,” Mr Quinn said, “He has detoxed himself and hopes to continue his sobriety through lent and beyond.”

The solicitor pointed out that Mr Dowler has attended an alcohol treatment course in Cluain Mhuire, Athy. Sgt Mahon confirmed the defendant has 17 previous convictions, but there have been no recent incidents since the last charge before the court.

Judge Owens said: “I can see that the defendant is making efforts to address what is clearly his problem with alcohol.”

She directed the matter be adjourned to June 20, 2023 to allow Probation Services complete a report.