Teen required surgery after punching window of house in Laois

A teenager who smashed the front window of a house with his fist over an alleged debt required surgery afterwards. 

Jake Kelly (18) of 170 St Brigid’s Place, Portlaoise admitted causing criminal damage to a house at Clonroosk Abbey, Portlaoise on July 22 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at around 3.30pm in the day. He said the accused approached the front window of a house and punched it causing it to break. 

“He required surgery on his hand after the incident,” Sgt Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Sgt Kirby said the defendant had no previous convictions and the damage to the window was €600. 

Solicitor Josphine Fitzpatrick said her client had brought €100 to court. She said “he was on a particular path at the time” and was “owed money” by someone in the house. 

She said the teen had “lost both his parents in unfortunate circumstances” and was supported by his sister in court. 

Judge Andrew Cody wanted to know what the background was to the debt.

“It was a drug issue at the time, there was money owed,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

“He is not proud of it and he is pleading at a very early opportunity,” she said. 

She said the teenager's parents had both died as a result of “drug related” matters. 

“He has put all of this behind him now,” she told Judge Cody. 

Judge Cody remanded the defendant on bail and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on February 10 for payment of the remainder of the compensation. He granted legal aid to Ms Fitzpatrick.