Limerick man jailed for damaging parked car following sexual assault threat
Limerick District Court told incident happened at a multi-story car park in Limerick city centre
A MAN who claims he was “absolutely provoked” into damaging a parked car has been sentenced to one month imprisonment.
Kevin Ryan, aged 30, with an address at Brookville Avenue, Caherdavin, appeared before Judge Catherine Ryan at Limerick District Court, via video-link, from Limerick Prison.
He is in custody for other matters but pleaded guilty to criminal damage arising from an incident on April 29, 2026.
Limerick District Court heard that on this date, at 1:50am, Mr Ryan and another man found themselves in Aviary Car Park at Mount Kenneth Place, off the Dock Road.
The accused claimed he was threatened by the other party and was forced to damage a jeep. He said he did not know the car had been stolen from a member of the public.
Mr Ryan alleged that the other man told him he was going to sexually assault his sister if he did not partake in the offence.
Judge Ryan heard the defendant reacted to the alleged threat by damaging the jeep, including breaking a window.
Kevin Ryan has 33 previous convictions, including one for arson, three for criminal damage, 21 for public order and three for burglary. His most recent conviction came on June 10, 2026 when, it was heard, he committed six offences on the same day.
Representing the accused, solicitor Cathal Quirke informed the court that his client was in active addiction at the time, as was his accomplice. He said Mr Ryan struggles with his mental health, which adds to his difficulties with addiction.
Mr Quirke stated the defendant is extremely apologetic for his actions, again emphasising that he was not aware the vehicle was stolen from an innocent bystander.
I was absolutely provoked
Judge Ryan was informed that Kevin Ryan was sober prior to the April offence but suffered from a relapse, which is when the incident occurred.
The defendant has been homeless in the past, with his solicitor stating that when sober, Mr Ryan is a “clever and insightful” man.
Judge Catherine Ryan said what occurred was “reckless” as the victim in this case had his vehicle “stolen and thrashed” but she gave weight to the threat Mr Ryan received from the other party.
“I was absolutely provoked,” he told Limerick District Court.
Kevin Ryan was sentenced to one month imprisonment for his role in the criminal damage offence.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.