Man jailed for causing €7,000 worth of damage to cars

A man who caused over €7,000 of damage to three cars in Rathmines has been jailed for two years by Judge Donagh McDonagh at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Shane Bradley (aged 23) with an address in Fairview and formerly of Belgrave Square, Rathmines pleaded guilty to damaging a BMW and two Mercedes in Belgrave Square on July 10, 2005.

Judge Mac Donagh said the probation report made for "depressing reading" and noted Bradley had failed several drug tests while in custody.

He sentenced Bradley to three years but suspended the final 12 months adding: "One would be seriously concerned for this young man in the future."

Garda Elaine Gordon told prosecuting counsel, Ms Fiona Murphy BL, that the damage to the cars, including broken windows on the Mercedes and a ripped soft top on the BMW, was noticed by a passer-by who saw a man running away and alerted gardaí.

Bradley was arrested shortly afterwards nearby and attempted to throw away a drill bit. He admitted damaging the cars and apologised, telling Garda Gordon he had been drinking.