Family left terrified after gang called seeking drug debt
Judge Eoin Garavan noted that Gardaí had said the two defendants were not the primary perpetrators in this case
Two men who were members of a gang that called to a house in Castlebar demanding payment for a drug debt have been ordered to undertake community service.
John McCaffrey, aged 30, of Curradrish Road, Castlebar and Jack Kavanagh, aged 23, of Carrowliam Beg, Killasser, Swinford, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to charges of affray.
Garda Karen Kilcullen said the defendants and two others, who were not before the court, called to the home of a man in Castlebar on January 19, 2020, and demanded payment for drugs. One member of the group urinated against the front door of the house and made a serious threat against the man, who was inside with his family, including a young child. The man was left terrified.
Gardaí were called and ordered the men to leave the area but they subsequently returned and were arrested. Both defendants were "under the influence".
McCaffrey, a construction worker, has 29 previous convictions, while Kavanagh, an unemployed father of one, has five previous convictions.
Barrister Patrick Murphy, representing McCaffrey, said his client has a long history of previous offences relating to the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
“He was stupid for becoming involved in the incident,” Mr Murphy stated. “He was not the one who was owed the money.”
Mr Murphy said McCaffrey said his client is now in full-time employment and has completed the Prime for Life drug awareness course. He has also attended counselling sessions to discuss his problems with drugs and alcohol and is addressing his issues.
The Probation Service deemed McCaffrey to be at a moderate risk of reoffending.
Barrister Laura Byrne, representing Kavanagh, said he wished to apologise for his behaviour that night. He was only 19 at the time of the incident and was not the "ringleader". He has previously worked in the construction, hospitality and retail sectors, but is currently unemployed.
“During his teenage years he gravitated towards a negative peer group,” Ms Byrne added.
The defendant is currently not using alcohol or drugs, having converted to the Islamic faith, and is now "embracing a new way of life". However, Ms Byrne acknowledged that Kavaanagh failed to engage fully with the Probation Service.
Judge Eoin Garavan noted that Gardaí had said the two defendants were not the primary perpetrators in this case.
“This was a pretty appalling night for the victim’s family. A threat to kill was made by others but [the defendants] were part of the gang,” he added.
Judge Garavan also acknowledged that McCaffrey had made positive efforts in recent years and he sentenced him to 200 hours of community service in lieu of 12 months in prison. The judge said Kavanagh's failure to engage with the Probation Service was "an aggravating factor" but he was willing to give him a chance. He imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of one year in prison.
