Cork man who broke into vintage car parked outside owner's house is jailed 

A break-in to a vintage convertible car parked outside a house left the owner distressed, depressed and infuriated by the damage caused to the car he inherited from his late father.

Today at Cork District Court Judge Mary Dorgan imposed an eight-month sentence on 25-year-old Cian Higgins of 134 Kilbarry Place, Farranree, Cork.

Sergeant John Dineen said: “On November 29, 2022, Garda Elaine Gallery took a report of criminal damage to a 1997 car parked at Upper Glencairn, Glanmire.

“The cowling was damaged and the roof was ripped. Black gloves were located at the scene, which did not belong to the injured party. There was a DNA examination which linked them to Cian Higgins.” 

Cian Higgins pleaded guilty to interference with a car and causing criminal damage.

Judge Dorgan recalled the evidence given by the victim who said that when his elderly father died in 2019, he left his beloved Mazda convertible sports car to him in his will.

The victim stated: “This vintage car was his pride and joy, which he had maintained and serviced himself for many years. The car was synonymous with my Dad.

“He prepared the car meticulously in preparation for transferring to me, including preparing service packs with spare parts and emergency items, personal music items (CDs & Cassettes) in the glove compartment, and keeping the car fully serviced and clean."

Sentimental value

“The car was of significant sentimental value to me, and was a clear personal reminder of my deceased Dad. Since I received the car, and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, the car enabled me to travel around in a manner reminiscent of how my Dad used to enjoy the car.

“Having seen the damage done to the car left me distressed, depressed and infuriated, as the car meant much more to me than just an average car. The damage to the car forced me to take the car off the road for over six months to allow me source parts from the UK, to allow repairs to be made, and to get the car fit for use again. All of these repairs were completed at my own expense which totalled approximately €600.

“Breaking and entering into my car and attempting to hotwire it directly in front of my residence, left me feeling vulnerable and nervous of further incidents occurring. While I am living in a residential area with neighbours in close proximity, this incident has left me feeling vulnerable in my own home. 

"My wife and children were very upset with this incident, as it occurred on our doorstep and in an area where we would like to feel secure, but this security has been threatened and undermined. Additionally my family were upset as they witnessed how distressed and depressed I was after the incident occurring.”