Cork man jailed for causing 'reprehensible' damage to Cork Simon Community building

Accused hit window of building with metal pole, causing it to crack, after being refused entry to the shelter, court heard

Accused was jailed for causing criminal damage to the Cork Simon Community building.

A judge told a man who uses the services of Cork Simon Community it was unacceptable and reprehensible for him to smash a window at the premises when accommodation was not available to him.

Judge Treasa Kelly jailed 58-year-old Alan Healy for six months for causing criminal damage to the hostel property on Anderson’s Quay, Cork, shortly before Christmas.

Sergeant John Kelleher said Alan Healy — a service user at Simon — called to the premises at about midnight on December 19, 2024, but was refused entry to the shelter.

“He returned shortly after midnight with a metal pole and began hitting the window of the shelter, causing it to crack. CCTV of the incident was viewed by Garda Adam Cotter and he observed the man to be Alan Healy,” Sgt Kelleher said.

The defendant pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the premises. Sgt Kelleher said the estimate of the damage was between €300 and €500.

He also admitted being in possession of cannabis for his own use on July 15, 2020, when Garda Lorraine O’Donovan saw him concealing the drugs in his underpants.

Alan Healy had previous convictions including three for causing criminal damage and three more for drug possession.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said: “When sober, he is highly apologetic for his behaviour. He has had the services of Simon and other hostel accommodation in the past. He has had addiction difficulties and longstanding education challenges. He appreciates the offence was very disruptive.

“He has been in custody for four weeks approximately and while there he has been in rehabilitation. He has always been respectful generally and appreciate of the accommodation he is given.” 

Judge Kelly said to the accused: “You avail of the services. And to go and do that is unacceptable and reprehensible.” 

Imposing the six-month sentence for criminal damage, the judge took the drugs matter into consideration at Cork District Court.