'It's porn to record me', accused told sacristan after kicking door of cathedral in Skibbereen

Dylan Fahey also told the sacristan he would burn him out his house

Thu, 23 Nov, 2023 - 01:54

Liam Heylin

A 21-year-old Skibbereen man kicked the door of the local cathedral and when the sacristan took a photograph of him to identify the culprit to gardaí the young man shouted: “I am 17 — it’s porn to be recording me.”

Dylan Fahey, of Hillcrest, Skibbereen, Co Cork, also threatened the sacristan, who is in his 60s, that he would burn him out of his house.

Fahey, who is now 23, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of threatening to cause criminal damage.

Judge James McCourt imposed a sentence of 12 months, backdated to when the accused went into custody two months ago, with the remainder of the sentence suspended from now.

Judge McCourt said: “I don’t regard drunkenness as a mitigating factor. You have uttered apologies and written a letter showing insight and remorse.

You would not have behaved in his manner if sober. If you behave like that when drunk, you should stop drinking.

"When shown CCTV you accepted it showed things as they were.

“In mitigation, you pleaded and you showed remorse. You have a supportive family and have shown an ability to work.”

Sergeant Pádraig Ó Conchuir outlined the background of the incident.

He said the accused kicked the door of the cathedral and was then followed by the sacristan who used his phone to take a picture of him from the street when Fahey was in a chip shop.

Sgt Ó Conchuir said Fahey shouldered the sacristan and put him off balance on the street.

Fahey was out celebrating his 21st birthday that night in May 2021. He later fled to the UK and Spain and was arrested two months ago in Tipperary shortly after his return.

Emmet Boyle, defence barrister, said of the incident: “This would not have happened if he was sober. His apology to this man is unreserved. He insulted this man’s dignity.”