Man caused thousands in damage to property in Laois 

A man appeared in court accused of causing thousands of euro in damage to a property in Portarlington. 

Edward Cash (29) of 29 Churchfield Heights, Castletown, pleaded guilty to damaging property at The Birches, Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington, and public order offences at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said it was alleged that on February 17 last the defendant had damaged the front door of an apartment block and the door of one of the apartments at The  Birches. He said the incident was captured on CCTV and the total damage amounted to €3,300.  “The injured party in that case would be Laois County Council,” he said.

Sgt Hughes told Judge Deirdre Gearty that no compensation had been paid. 

On June 13 last the defendant was intoxicated and abusive at The Birches, said Sgt Hughes. He said the man was arrested and apologised when released. 

The man was again intoxicated and abusive at Churchfield Heights in Castletown on June 15 when he “shouted profanities” at gardai, said Sgt Hughes. 

On July 13 last the defendant was again intoxicated and abusive and obstructed a peace officer at Wallace Street, Mountrath, said Sgt Hughes. On this occasion he struggled with  gardaí and was not cooperative at all, he explained. He said the defendant was “a different man when he is sober”. He said the man had 63 previous convictions and most of the offending is under the public order act. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was a man with significant mental health issues. 

“When the defendant drinks alcohol, unfortunately he has disregard for those around him and indeed the law,” he said. 

Mr Fitzgerald said alcohol was “the root cause” of all of his client’s problems and he said the man was anxious to address his alcoholism. He suggested “some sort of road map post release" might help.  He said the defendant, who had been in custody since July 14, has difficulty coping with reality and has sought refuge in alcohol. 

Judge Deirdre Gearty said the man had 63 previous convictions. 

“Your behaviour is reprehensible. You are a menace to the guards,” she told the man. 

She described a victim impact statement from a gardaí who had been dealing with the accused as “distressing” and said, “then you sober up and you are sorry for it all.” 

Judge Gearty sentenced the defendant to a total of 18 months in prison. She fixed recognisance in case of appeal and granted legal aid in the case.