Addiction counsellor smashed windows to be arrested

A MAN who worked as a drinks and drugs counsellor in the UK, but who did a total of €6,000 worth of damage to the windows of three businesses in Naas before handing himself into the garda station for incarcerated treatment, was put on a two-year peace bond last week.

Cian O’Shea (29) of Patrician Avenue, Naas was appearing in his local court from custody for hearing on the above three offences committed on 28 November, as well as breaking into a restaurant on South Main Street, where he allegedly took €360 from the till on the same night.

“The injured party [from the restaurant] is also in court,” said Detective Garda Christine Brady. “On 28 November at 2.15am, he forced in the front door of the restaurant.” 

“You need to have an alarm in this day and age,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan.

“We have CCTV,” said DG Brady. “He went straight to the till and took €360 before exiting.” She added: “He has 12 previous convictions, and is serving nine months from the circuit court for production of articles.” 

Mr O’Shea is also charged with shoplifting in Daybreak and SuperValu in Naas on 9 and 10 September.

DG Brady went on to say the window damage was done to SuperValu on the Fair Green, Maxol and Marilyn’s Hairdressers, before the defendant surrendered himself to the gardaí.

“Pure thuggish behaviour?” asked the judge.

“He wanted to get put in custody,” clarified the detective.

“He wanted to get help,” explained defending solicitor Brian Larkin.

“My mam passed away when I was in England and I couldn’t be there for the woman who brought me into the world. I had a bit of a wobble,” admitted the defendant.

“Mr O’Shea put it very elegantly when he said his mother passed away,” said Mr Larkin. “I’ll put my neck out and say he’s not a bad fellow.” “Try to get help? Drugs?” asked the judge.

“Drugs and alcohol,” clarified Mr Larkin, “and he was in hospital over Christmas because of tonsilitis.

“Clearly he has issues – he damaged the windows and went straight to the guards. But he has supports. He’s welcomed home by his dad, his girlfriend is here; he has a job when he is released.

“He used to play soccer with Corbally United and wants to get back.” “Which position?” asked the football-mad judge.

“I can play anywhere,” said the defendant.

“Maybe we’d get him to sign for Man United,” smiled the mischievous Liverpool fan.

“He looks better, he’s doing better, and he is seeking a non-custodial sentence,” said Mr Larkin.

“It’s a big ask, but he has already spent six weeks in custody [since 28 November]. He’s a 29-year-old who has had significant addiction issues, but has his sister, father and girlfriend to help him on release.” 

DG Brady stated: “He has issues, but he has to deal with those issues.” 

“Isn’t it a sad state when I can’t use my powers to get you treatment?” mused the judge rhetorically, touching on a favoured bugbear of his.

“What was Cian doing in the UK?” he then asked.

“I was a key worker in drink and drug counselling from 2018 to Covid,” said the defendant.

“How did you manage to hoodwink your way in there?” asked a mildly incredulous judge.

“I stopped with drink and drugs for three years and ten months, and got the job with no qualifications,” replied Mr O’Shea.

“I think that’s when his mother died and he went off the rails,” surmised Mr Larkin.

“Can I take this time to apologise [to the injured party in court]? I’m very remorseful for what I did to your property,” Mr O’Shea said.

“Would you have any objection to me putting him on a peace bond for 12 months?” asked the judge, but DG Brady just shook her head.

“Alright. A peace bond for two years on all the charges,” said the judge, “and if you see him out drunk, you can arrest him and bring him before me and he will get 12 months for the burglary, and 12 months consecutive on the criminal damage.

“You’ve got that lady guard to thank,” added Judge Zaidan. 

“You need help? That is not the right way to go about it.”