Portlaoise Court: Suspended sentence for smashing window of taxi
Portloaise Courthouse
A PORTLAOISE man was given a two-month suspended sentence for damaging a taxi when he came before the local district court.
Paul Delaney, 13 O’Moore Place, Portlaoise had previously pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place along the Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on 30 July last.
Damage to the taxi amounted to €588.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the 43-year-old defendant had 26 previous convictions, the most recent being a public order offence on 25 August 2022.
Barrister Anne Doyle said that her client is not currently working but had repaid the taxi driver for the damage he caused.
She said: “He collects scrap metal, but is finding it difficult to get work at present.”
“He’s finding it difficult getting work,” said Judge Andrew Cody.
“What about the taxi driver, who could not work to provide for his family because of the damage he caused to his car? He got into the car and smashed the window of the taxi.”
“He is extremely remorseful for what he did,” said Ms Doyle.
Judge Cody said that, given the number of Mr Delaney’s previous convictions, he was convicting him of the offence.
He went on to impose a two-month sentence, suspended for two years, and a fine of €500.
Recognisances were fixed for appeal purposes.
