Man in court accused of criminal damage to Taoiseach's Cork constituency office

The DPP directed that the case against a 34-year-old man accused of causing criminal damage to the constituency office of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Cork by daubing it with slogans can be dealt with at district court level.

Sergeant Chris Cahil charged Thomas Heising of Frankfield Terrace, Summerhill South, Cork, with causing criminal damage. Today, Sergeant John Kelleher said directions had come from the Director of Public Prosecutions that the case could be dealt with summarily at Cork District Court.

An outline of the allegations in the case was then given by the sergeant so that Judge Mary Dorgan could decide if she would accept jurisdiction to deal with the case at Cork District Court.

Sgt Kelleher said it was alleged that: “Spray paint was used to deface the front of the building with a number of slogans/phrases in respect of the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

“The cost of the damage is being assessed but is understood to be in the region of €1,000,” Sgt Kelleher said.

On hearing this outline, Judge Dorgan said she would accept jurisdiction to deal with the case at Cork District Court.

Shane Collins-Daly solicitor applied for a copy of the prosecution evidence so that the defence could decide if a plea of guilty or not guilty would be entered to the criminal damage charge.

Judge Dorgan adjourned the case until October 6 for that purpose with the young man was remanded on continuing bail.

Bail conditions require him to sign on twice weekly at Anglesea Street garda station between the hours of 9am and 9pm, reside at the Summerhill South address and stay away from the environs of the constituency office of An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin at 137 Evergreen Road, Turner’s Cross, Cork.

He is also required to have no contact, direct or indirect, including on social medial platforms, with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, or any staff members of the constituency office and engage in no commentary, including on social media platforms, in respect of matters before the court.

These were the conditions required by the prosecution. Shane Collins-Daly solicitor said the accused man agreed to all of these conditions.

The charge states that: “On May 27 at 137 Evergreen Road, Turner’s Cross, Cork, he did without lawful excuse damage property, to wit, the walls, door and windowsill of 137 Evergreen Road, intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.”