Man fined after causing damage at Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station
Pepper spray deployed after Perspex screen damaged in early morning incident
A 44-year-old man was fined €400 after causing criminal damage at Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station in the early hours of the morning.
Gavin Mitchell, of Lios Breac Close, Newtownforbes, Longford, appeared before the District Court in relation to an incident on Monday, September 22, 2025, at approximately 6.45am.
The court heard that shortly after being released from custody, Mr Mitchell pulled down and broke a Perspex screen at a public hatch inside the Garda station, causing damage valued at €100. Gardaí told the court that pepper spray was deployed and handcuffs were used during the arrest.
The court heard Mr Mitchell has three previous convictions.
His solicitor, Colm Conway, said his client had been intoxicated on the night. “He says on the night in question that he was drunk,” the court heard. Mr Conway added that his client had since addressed his issues and had spent six months in rehabilitation receiving treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
Addressing the court, Mr Mitchell described the incident as “a mad night” and said he had not been in trouble since. He told the judge he was in a long-term relationship, hoped to begin new employment in the coming weeks, and offered €100 in court towards the damage.
Judge Ethan Cunningham described the matter as serious, particularly given where the damage occurred.
“It is a serious matter in that he damaged a Perspex screen in a Garda station,” the judge said.
“This is a serious matter and then it required pepper spray and handcuffs. It shows no respect for the Garda. You need to keep up with meetings because you cannot behave in that manner. To do so in a Garda station shows utter disregard for members of An Garda Síochána and absolutely no respect whatsoever.”
Mr Mitchell offered to pay the €100 compensation immediately, and his solicitor undertook to lodge it.
Convicting Mr Mitchell, Judge Cunningham imposed a fine of €400 and allowed five months for payment. The judge wished him well in his continued recovery but made clear that alcohol could not be used as an excuse for such behaviour.