Man who broke window of Mayo garda station escapes conviction

A Wicklow man who broke the window of a Mayo garda station has avoided a conviction after fully compensating the State for the damages caused.

TJ Kenny, aged 24, of Sli na Slaine, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty at Achill District Court to 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 at the time of the incident on October 7, 2024. CCTV identified the defendant as the culprit.

Kenny was later cautioned at Baltinglass Garda Station and made full admissions when shown the CCTV.

Kenny had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Mr. Gary Mulchrone said his client was working with a broadband crew in the Achill area when the incident occurred.

He said Kenny, who was intoxicated at the time, saw a light on inside the station and was throwing stones to try and get someone’s attention.

Mr. Mulchrone said his client had paid compensation and accepted full responsibility for the incident.

Judge Sandra Murphy said she would impose Section 1.1 of the Probation Act and not impose a conviction as Kenny had taken responsibility and the State was not at a loss for the damages he had caused.

* Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme.