Man fined for scraping vehicle with key

An agricultural labourer, who was annoyed by a Land Rover parked on a country road blocking his way, decided to scrape a key along the side of the vehicle causing over €2,600 worth of paint damage.

Judge Leo Malone said yesterday at Cork District Court, “It is a very mean, sneaky type of offence to key the side of someone’s vehicle simply because it was blocking his way.”

The judge asked why Ivan Clarke, 31 of Lisnagat House, Lisnagat, Bandon, County Cork, did not simply report the matter to gardaí rather than causing this criminal damage.

Emmet Boyle, defence solicitor, said that is what Clarke should have done. “Unfortunately, he did act in this uncharacteristic way.”

Mr Boyle submitted that in light of the absence of any previous convictions it might have been anticipated that the matter would have been disposed of by way of an adult caution to the accused. However, that was not possible because of the cost of repairs from the main dealer.

The solicitor said that a civil case had been taken and compromised at €3,815, paid in full by Clarke, despite the amount on the summons which referred to €2,610 in damage.

Noting the payment of compensation Judge Leo Malone fined Clarke €600 for the offence.