Young Carndonagh man kicked woman’s car after leaving pub in a temper
21-year-old defendant admits that his 'emotions got the better of him' on night out
A drunken young Carn man kicked a woman’s car, causing minor damage to the grill, after “his emotions got the better of him” on a night out last month, a court has heard.
Josh Porter, of Station Road Apartments, Carndonagh, admitted a charge of criminal damage when he appeared at Carndonagh District Court.
Sergeant Emmet Brady outlined the facts of the case against the 21-year-old defendant.
He said Garda Aoife Smith responded to a call of criminal damage at Malin Street, Carndonagh at 12.24am during the early hours of Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Garda Smith arrived at the location and spoke with the injured party, Ms Deery, who indicated that damage had been caused to her vehicle, and she identified Josh Porter as the culprit.
Mr Porter was still at the scene and was highly intoxicated. He was arrested and later charged by Garda Smith.
Sgt Brady told the court that the damage was estimated at €30.
Defence solicitor Frank-Aran Murphy said Mr Porter suffers from a developmental coordination disorder called ‘dyspraxia’, and sometimes finds it difficult to manage his emotions as a result.
“He came out of a public house where he was intoxicated and had become somewhat embroiled in a dispute,” Mr Murphy said.
“His emotions got the better of him and unfortunately he kicked the grill of this lady’s car. He caused damage to the sum of €30.”
Mr Murphy said Mr Porter is keen to put the matter behind him.
“He is on disability allowance at the moment – but if he is allowed some time to make amends with the lady, I’m sure she’d like to be recompensed for the damage done to her vehicle.”
The court heard how Mr Porter has no previous convictions, and Sgt Brady suggested to Judge Ciaran Liddy that the young Carn man might benefit from an adult caution instead of a criminal conviction.
Sgt Brady said Gardai could further seek the views of the injured party in the case too.
Judge Liddy granted Legal Aid to Mr Murphy and adjourned the case against Mr Porter until September 16, “for possible adult caution and repayment of damages”.