Kildare man refused to pay for damage to vehicle - court hears

A man who was convicted of breaking the window of a jeep refused to pay for the damage.
John Oakley (43) of 12 Woodstock Street, Athy, Co Kildare was convicted of causing criminal damage to a jeep at Fitzpatrick's Filling Station, Dublin Road, Monasterevin, Co Kildare on June 16, 2023.

Judge Stephanie Coggans noted the case was before Portlaoise District Court for a probation report.
Anne Doyle BL said the report wasn’t ready as the probation services hadn’t met him due to resource issues.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was convicted of criminal damage in November 2024. He said an incident occurred at the filling station while the injured party was sitting in a jeep at 5.20pm. He said the accused hit the driver’s side window causing it to smash. The damage amounted to €250, said Sgt Kirby.

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Ms Doyle said her client maintains there were two people responsible for the damage.
Judge Stephanie Coggans said she was not impressed that the client was convicted but is not taking responsibility.
“He owes me €1,500 for work,” the defendant told the Judge.
“That’s not at issue here,” she responded.

Ms Doyle said “he will not accept the verdict”. She said he had instructed her that there were two people to blame for the damage.
Judge Coggans fined the man €500 and gave him three months to pay. She fixed recognisance in case of appeal.