Man in court in Tullamore caused over €9,000 worth of damage to house

A victim impact statement was requested from a woman in the case of a man who caused serious damage to her home.

Martin Gallagher (57) pleaded guilty to the offence at last week's Tullamore district court.

In his evidence, Seargeant Brendan Kearns said that on April 26, 2023, there was a report of criminal damage to a house in Clonfad. Martin Gallagher, Rathgarret, Tore, Westmeath, had taken a crowbar from the garage of the house and broken seven domestic windows, two French door windows, rear door window and rear door panel to the value of €9,114 at Clonfad.

He was quickly located by the gardai and he had blood on his hands. He made a full admission.

Mr Gallagher's solicitor said the defendnat was 57 and had been in a relationship with the injured party for 15 years. He had lived in the house for seven years. On Christmas Eve the woman had asked him to leave. He had felt ''cut adrift'' and was drinking, he had stayed in a hotel in Tyrellspass over Christmas. His life had gone on a ''downward spiral'' culminating in the offence.

He had called out to the house that night to talk to the lady but she would not answer the door and ''rightly so,'' said the solicitor. Mr Gallagher is originally from Donegal and had been married but his marriage had broken down.

Judge Andrew Cody said the defendant had smashed every window in the house, seven windows and damaged the back door.

His solicitor said he hadn't brought the crowbar with him, he had gone to talk and got the crowbar from the garage. He had always been in gainful employment but lost his job in January of this year due to his drinking. He is very ashamed. The lady did nothing wrong, the relationship is over and there is a barring order against Mr Gallagher. He has since got accommodation and is working.

Judge Cody requested a victim impact statement and put the case back to November 15 for finalisation of the case.