Man damaged doorbell camera of hostel in Cork city twice when he wasn't admitted

A 24-year-old man who had been getting the support of Cork Simon Community for a year caused criminal damage at the hostel twice in one day when he was not admitted.

The judge dealing with the case said it was a case of biting the hand that feeds.

Judge Philip O’Leary commented that Cork Simon is a highly reputable organisation, doing their best to help people, as he imposed a total sentence of five months on Alex Ioanovici at Cork District Court.

The accused pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a doorbell camera at Cork Simon Community on Anderson’s Quay.

The first charge of damage related to 3.40pm that day — June 9, 2024 — and the second incident of a very similar nature occurred at 8.20pm.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy told the judge that the accused came to the rear of the premises and asked to avail of services at the hostel in the afternoon.

However, the accused was told he could not do so until later in the evening.

Ioanovici then proceeded to smash the camera doorbell, the court heard.

When Ioanovici returned a few hours later, he was told that he would not be allowed in due to the damage he caused earlier, Sgt Murphy added.

Ioanovici then reacted by carrying out more less the same offence again.

Solicitor Killian McCarthy said: “[Ioanovici] wants to apologise.

“This is something that should not have happened. It was not something he intended to do,” he said.

“He is a 24-year-old man who came from Romania six years ago.

“The embassy has his passport, and he is finding it difficult to access services,” Mr McCarthy added.

“He was residing in Carlow previously,” he said.

Judge O’Leary said: “I appreciate the man has difficulties but there is a degree of this being self-inflicted.”