Limerick man who vandalised Christmas lights jailed by judge
The vandalism was one of a string of offences before Newcastle West District Court
A MAN who damaged community Christmas lights which a judge said were there “for the families and children to enjoy” has been jailed for six months with the final four months suspended for two years.
Desmond Scanlon with an address in Marion Place, Glin, appeared before Newcastle West District Court.
On January 1, 2022, people walking in the town park discovered that €1,000 worth of damage had been caused to path lights, which were pulled out and thrown away.
On July 15, 2021, Mr Scanlon stole a car from the main street in Glin and later made full admissions.
On March 23, 2024, the accused forced his way into a house in Glin and stole the TV, wifi and satellite boxes. Full admissions were made and the items were recovered intact and usable.
The tyres on six vehicles in Glin village were slashed on February 11, 2024 and €1,100 worth of damage was caused to all vehicles.
On March 31, 2024 Mr Scanlon forced his way into a house on the main street in Glin and stole a washing machine, which was later recovered.
On January 1, 2024, Mr Scanlon stole almost €42 worth of items from Tesco in Newcastle West.
The court heard that the accused has 26 previous convictions.
Solicitor Michael O'Donnell said his client comes from a “difficult family background” and that he developed a drug problem over the years.
A letter was handed into court, which Judge Nicola Jane Andrews read, but she said she “cannot ignore the amount” of offences.
She imposed a six-month sentence suspending the final four months for two years and another six-month sentence with the final four months suspended to run concurrently with that, all backdated to July 2.