A District Court Judge has told a Dunmanway man that he will need to produce €1,000 in court as compensation to a woman whose car he damaged while it was parked overnight on the street
A DISTRICT Court Judge has told a Dunmanway man that he will need to produce €1,000 in court as compensation to a woman whose car he damaged while it was parked overnight on the street.
Judge James McNulty made the direction when dealing with the case of Luke Hayes of Sunnyside B&B, Dunmanway, who pleaded guilty to criminal damage at a recent sitting of Clonakilty District Court.
Sgt Paul Kelly told the court that on June 10th last, Theresa Doyle reported to gardaí that her car – which had been parked on Coach Road overnight – was damaged.
‘Garda Billy Creedon attended the scene and noted that there were scratches on the body of the car and damage to the rear light and a type of blade was used causing €980 worth of damage,’ said Sgt Kelly.
The court heard that CCTV was used to identify the defendant and he was arrested and taken to Clonakilty Garda Station where he admitted causing damage to the rear of the bumper of the car.
‘But he said someone else caused the damage on the front passenger side of the car,’ said Sgt Kelly.
Mr Hayes said that the incident happened in the same week his grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and was given a few days to live.
‘I wasn’t sober all weekend and have no recollection of what happened,’ he said. ‘I have stayed away from everything since then and I have moved out of Dunmanway,’ added Mr Hayes.
Judge McNulty queried why that particular car was targeted out of all the cars in West Cork, but Mr Hayes said he had no recollection of it and admitted he took a lot of things he shouldn’t be taking.
Judge McNulty also noted there was still no compensation paid to the injured party almost three months on from when the damage was caused.
Mr Hayes said he is starting work soon and would need time to pay the money back.
Judge McNulty remanded the defendant on continuing bail and deferred penalty until November 5th and directed him to produce a solicitor’s cheque for €1,000 payable to the injured party.
‘When that is done, we will then look at a penalty,’ said Judge McNulty.
