Suspended sentence for 20-year-old who smashed six car windows in Cork city 

Windows of six cars parked on Richmond Hill in Cork city were smashed by a young man in a series of offences a year ago and now he has been given a one-month suspended sentence.

Kian Dempster, aged 20, of 27 Lagan Grove, Mayfield, Cork, appeared for sentencing at Cork District Court, having pleaded guilty to charges of causing criminal damage and theft of items. Sergeant John Dineen said the offences were carried out by Kian Dempster on July 10 2024 at Shandon Court, Richmond Hill, Cork.

“CCTV showed him smashing the windows of vehicles. On the night, six vehicles had windows smashed. Out of these, one had a mobile phone and a laptop case stolen," the garda said.

“Blood inside one of the vehicles was swabbed and sent for analysis. A DNA profile was generated and Kian Dempster was nominated as a suspect.

“On March 3 2025 he attended at Mayfield garda station voluntarily and made full admissions to the charges.

“He stated he cannot remember the incident as he had taken a number of tablets. He accepted responsibility,” Sgt Dineen said.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the accused was only 20 years old and had a limited record of offending. He said the young man was homeless at the time of the offences but had been engaging with the probation service.

“He is actively seeking employment and has no other case pending.” 

Judge William Aylmer said: “This was a series of criminal damage and theft offences over an extended period of weeks.” 

Referring to one theft where he stole a person’s €350 Nokia phone, the judge imposed a one-month suspended sentence and a concurrent term for causing criminal damage.

The sentences were suspended on condition that the 20-year-old would come under the supervision of the probation service for a period of 12 months.

Taken into consideration by Judge Aylmer was a charge against Kian Dempster of having cannabis for his own use at North Ring Road, Mayfield, Cork, on June 8 2024.