Hurleys used by group of men to smash windows of house, Cork court told

Hurleys were used to smash the front windows of a house by a group of young men who then jumped into a car that was driven away from the scene of the crime, a court has heard.

Judge Sinéad Behan said at Cork Circuit Appeals Court: “I can completely see why a six-month disqualification from driving was imposed. It is disgraceful, bringing hurleys to damage houses.”

For causing criminal damage, the appellant was fined €500 at the district court, but in addition he was given a six-month driving disqualification for using his car in connection with the commission of an offence.

Defence barrister, Alan O’Dwyer, said the appellant was not appealing against the €500 fine, but was appealing the disqualification. 

Mr O’Dwyer said that Michael John O’Brien, aged 23, of 19 Ardmore Avenue, Cork, had entered mediation with other parties to the case and there were no further difficulties since this occurred, and that full compensation was paid for the damage to the house.

The judge said that while it was disgraceful behaviour, she was heartened to hear of mediation between the parties. 

Judge Behan agreed to remove the disqualification.

Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the background to the January 7, 2025, incident at Garrydhu Drive, Carrigaline, Co Cork, where a silver Toyota Avensis and dark-coloured vehicle arrived outside the house carrying men with hurleys who came into the driveway and smashed the front window of the house.

“Following investigation and examination of CCTV footage, Michael John O’Brien was identified as one of the suspects who caused the damage at the scene and as the owner of a Toyota Avensis which was used to transport suspects to and from the scene,” 

Sgt Kelleher said. “The value of damage caused was €288, and full compensation has since been paid.”