Man who defaced Covid-19 signs ordered to carry out community service

Lionel Thomas of Elm Cottage, Goggins Hill, Ballinahssig, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

A Frenchman who pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a number of Covid-19 signs with words such as "junk science" and "lies" has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service.

Lionel Thomas, aged 52, of Elm Cottage, Goggin's Hill, Ballinhassig in Cork pleaded guilty to five counts of criminal damage and to three counts of trespass after spray painting signs in Kinsale and Ballinspittle in October and November 2020.