Wicklow man broke window at garda station in Achill
The defendant pleaded guilty.
A Wicklow man who broke the window of a Mayo garda station has avoided a conviction after fully compensating the State for the damage caused.
TJ Kenny, aged 24, of Sli na Slaine, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty at Achill District Court to a charge of criminal damage.
During a previous sitting, the court heard that Kenny had thrown stones at the window of Achill Garda Station, breaking it and causing €650 worth of damage. The station was unoccupied when the incident occurred on October 7, 2024. The defendant was identified from CCTV. He was later cautioned at Baltinglass Garda Station and made a full admission when shown the CCTV.
Kenny has no previous convictions.
Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client was working with a broadband crew in the Achill area when the incident occurred. Kenny was intoxicated at the time, saw a light on inside the station and threw stones to try and get someone’s attention. Mr Mulchrone said his client had paid compensation and accepted full responsibility for the damage caused.
Judge Sandra Murphy noted that Kenny had taken responsibility for the incident and that the State was not at a loss for the damage caused. She agreed to apply the Probation Act, meaning the defendant will not have a criminal conviction recorded against him.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
