Man who damaged several cars in Longford town remanded in custody

A defendant who caused €3,200 in damage to cars on Richmond Street on September 30, 2023 was remanded in custody to return before Longford District Court in October.

Isam Mohmoud (28) with charge sheet addresses at Ipas Centre, Kilbride Army Camp, Kilbride, Wicklow and HSE Balseskin Refugee Centre, St Margaret's Road, Finglas, Dublin

Mr Mohmoud is charged with failing to keep a court appointment on June 18, 2024 and of nine counts of property damage at Richmond Street on September 30, 2023.

Outlining details of the matter Sergeant Enda Daly said that on the date of the incident Longford Garda Station received a call regarding a disturbance on Richmond Street. When the officer attended they saw that 10 cars had been damaged, as well as a television and a fire extinguisher from the hostel.

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The court was told there was CCTV footage of the incident. Mr Mohmoud had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh told the court her client's brother had travelled from Egypt for the case and was acting as translator. Ms Mimnagh said the defendant has significant mental health issues and was anxious to seek help.

The solicitor told the judge her client was due to come before the CCJ that week, but explained his brother wanted to bring him home to Egypt.

The defendant's brother appealed to the judge: “He's not a criminal. He needs help. He doesn't know what he is doing. He tried to jump from O'Connell Bridge on Sunday.”

The brother said he did not want his sibling unconditionally released as he needs treatment for his mental health difficulties.
Judge Owens explained that the mental health services are separate from court proceedings, adding: “People often come before the courts because they are not engaging with the relevant mental health services.”

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Mr Mohmoud consented to be remanded in custody to return before the court on October 8 next, and the judge directed that he receive all necessary medical and psychiatric treatment while in custody.