Man damaged car over dispute with neighbour in Laois 

A man who damaged a car following a dispute with a neighbour was told to bring compensation to court.

Ray Malone (41) of 20 Harpurs Crescent, Portlaoise admitted damaging the car at Laurel Drive, Esker Hills, Portlaoise on November 6, 2022. 

He also admitted stealing Lemsip and panadol valued at €20 from Mulhalls in Lyster Square, Portlaoise on February 14, 2023 and stealing groceries valued at €25 from Aldi in Portlaoise on January 29, 2023. 

The defendant also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance or a licence at Coote Street, Portlaoise on March 23, 2024 and again on April 18, 2024. He also admitted being intoxicated and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Esker Hills, Portlaoise on March 26, 2023. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at 4.30pm. 

“There were children playing, he was in an extremely intoxicated state,” he said. 

In relation to the criminal damage, Sgt Kirby said “he threw an unknown substance, believed to be brake fluid, over a vehicle.” He explained that the substance caused around €900 of damage to the paint work of the Nissan Qashqai. 

Sgt Kirby said the man had 31 previous convictions. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty to the offences. 

“There was a plea entered on the very first day,” he said. 

He said the man works sporadically in construction whenever work is available. 

Mr Fitzgerald said the man had difficulties in the past with alcohol and cocaine. He said the man had been involved in a dispute with a neighbour but he had since moved from the estate. 

“He does need to mature somewhat, he is a grandfather now,” he explained. 

Judge Nicola Andrews said she wanted to see compensation brought to court. 

She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on February 17 for compensation.