Man damaged car for no apparent reason
The defendant appeared before Castlebar District Court.
A man caused significant damage to a parked car when he kicked it on Christmas Day.
Eddie Staunton, Dangan Mór, Ballyvary, appeared before Castlebar District Court last Wednesday in connection with four charges arising from an incident at Main Street, Ballyvary on December 25, 2025. The charges included criminal damage, two breaches of the Public Order Act and an offence contrary to Section 56(1) of the Road Traffic Act.
Gda Sgt John O'Reilly told Judge Vincent Deane that gardaí received reports of an incident on Main Street, Ballyvary, on Christmas Day.
Staunton had approached a parked car in an aggressive manner and kicked the side door, leaving a substantial dent. There was no apparent reason for the act of vandalism. The cost of repairs was stated to be €2,685.
Judge Deane asked what type of vehicle had been damaged and was told it was a black Ford Kuga.
Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client had 17 previous convictions, all for road traffic matters bar one public order offence. He was someone who had been struggling with his mental health for some time. He had also lost his mother in recent years.
Mr Mulchrone said the defendant is originally from Ballintubber but is now living in Ballyvary. He asked the court to adjourn the case for the completion of a probation report. A probation officer confirmed a report was being prepared on Staunton.
Mr Mulchrone told the court that Staunton had €1,000 compensation available and had asked him to convey an apology to the car's owner, saying the victim had done nothing wrong.
Sgt O'Reilly told the court a victim impact statement had been canvassed but was not forthcoming.
Judge Deane adjourned the matter to September 16 for the probation report.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
