Cork court: Man smashed garda car parked outside station

A District Judge said he was intrigued to get to the bottom of a case where a man smashed a garda car parked outside the Bridewell for no apparent reason and then handed himself in to the station.

Sergeant John Dillane said at Cork District Court that this was what Davin Griffin, aged 26, of Churchfield Avenue, Cork, did in the early hours of May 27.

He followed this up with a plea of guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage. The garda car was outside the Bridewell when he caused over €400 worth of damage to it.

Judge John King said: “I am intrigued by this one. Tell me about this man.”

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said: “He does have addiction difficulties. He felt he literally needed to be taken out of the community. He realised that by his actions that would be a consequence.

“He was taken into custody. He was brought before this court and he did not seek bail (on May 27).

“He is doing well in prison. I think he wants to benefit from being in prison.”

Judge John King accepted what was being said and imposed a prison sentence of six months.

However, he also added: “He does realise he cannot hide in prison forever.”