Dublin man broke up Castlebar house on Christmas night

A MAN who smashed a table at his mother's home in Mayo on Christmas night was sentenced to 180 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison.

Charlie McDonagh of 18 Barrycourt Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 appeared before Castlebar District Court where he was charged with criminal damage and public order offences following an altercation in Castlebar in the early hours of St Stephen's Day.

Court presenter, Sergeant John O'Reilly explained that on December 26, 2024 at 1.50am, gardaí were called to a disturbance at Cois Abhainn, Castlebar where a man was breaking up a house.

When they arrived they observed a man with a torn t-shirt who informed gardaí that his brother, Mr McDonagh was smashing up the house.

Sgt O'Reilly explained that the defendant was intoxicated and shouting abuse at his mother. He was directed to leave but he failed to do so and was arrested.

Ms Kathleen Henry, counsel for Mr McDonagh said her client had gone to the house for Christmas and had taken too much alcohol and wished to apologise for his behaviour. She said he was living in Dublin with his wife and wished to reassure the court that this won't happen again.

The court was told that Mr McDonagh had a number of previous convictions but Ms Henry said he had not committed an offence in a number of years and this was out of character. She added that her client states that a table he broke in the house has been replaced.

Judge Fiona Lydon said that because of the number of convictions she would consider imposing community service if he is suitable. After she was informed Mr McDonagh was suitable, she imposed 180 hours community service in lieu of four years imprisonment.