Limerick man in court for dumping changes plea after being 'plainly in view' on CCTV

A MAN accused of dumping changed his plea from not guilty to guilty after watching CCTV where he was “plainly in view”.

Michael Quilligan, of Altamira Court, Quarry Road, Thomondgate, Limerick city pleaded not guilty to the offence at the district court.

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A council litter warden told Judge John King he was notified of illegal dumping at Quarry Road on February 17, 2025.

“I got permission to download CCTV. It shows bags of waste and a mattress being removed from a house in Altamira Court, dumped nearby and set on fire,” said the warden.

Will Leahy, solicitor for Limerick City and County Council, asked the warden, who lived in the house? “Mr Quilligan,” said the warden.

The solicitor asked how the warden knew the defendant lives there? “It’s a council house,” he said.

The CCTV was played for the judge. Mr Leahy said you can see a person exiting a  house.

“Mr Quilligan stated to you that kids had taken away the waste - that clearly isn’t a child. You can see it is the tall grey haired gentleman that sets the fire. He has no previous convictions,” said Mr Leahy, who asked Mr Quilligan if he had any questions for the warden.

Mr Quilligan said: “No, I want to change my plea to guilty.”

He said young lads asked him if they could take away his rubbish so he gave them a hand.

Judge King said “right up to the 11th hour you were maintaining your innocence, the city council had to bring proceedings”. 

“When you saw the CCTV you were plainly in view,” said Judge King.

Mr Leahy said the council’s cost application was €541.50. The judge asked Mr Quilligan to tell him a little about himself.

“I’m unemployed. I’m on disability allowance. I live at home with my wife,” said Mr Quilligan.

Judge King adjourned the case until February 6 for Mr Quilligan to pay €541.50. If the costs are paid the judge said he would apply the Probation Act. Judge King said if they are not paid he would convict and fine  €300 plus the  €541.50.