Cork man who spray-painted 'Marry me? Chippy' on city building caused €6,500 in damage

Court heard accused had raised €1,000 compensation so far by saving from his social welfare payments and he would raise more

Accused pleaded guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage to the building on Penrose Wharf. Picture: Larry Cummins 

A 22-year-old man admitted responsibility for a large painted message on a building in Cork which had the appearance of a marriage proposal, and so far he has come up with €1,000 in respect of the €6,500 for criminal damage.

The painted words consisted of, “Marry Me? Chippy”. Now, at Cork District Court, 22-year-old John Barrow, of Glencree Crescent, Cork, has pleaded guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage to the building last summer.

Sergeant John Kelleher confirmed the extent of the criminal damage was put at €6,500.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said Mr Barrow had raised €1,000 compensation so far by saving from his social welfare payments and he would raise more. 

Judge Catherine Ryan said she would put the matter back until April 15 to allow time for this to be done.

Garda Ben Donovan charged John Barrow with a count stating: “On a date unknown between August 11 and August 13 at Penrose Wharf, Cork, in the district court area of Cork City, he did without lawful excuse, damage property, to wit, spray-painting, 'Marry me? Chippy', causing damage to the roof of Penrose Wharf, intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.” 

 The amount of damage was initially estimated at even more than €6,500. But this latter value has now been confirmed, Sgt Kelleher said.