Longford man who pleaded guilty to damaging pub door given benefit of Probation Act

A man who caused €500 worth of damage to the front door of a pub has been given the benefit of the Probation Act.

Joseph Dunne (53), 10 Padraic Colum Heights, Longford had previously pleaded guilty to a section 3 assault and damaging the front door of Andy Byrne’s pub, Ballymahon Street, Longford on July 29, 2021.

Also read: Longford feud 'far from over and there will be reprisals' after man hospitalised with stab wound

Defending, Frank Gearty told Judge Bernadette Owens his client had been €50 short when the order was made in May 2023 but he has now paid the full compensation.

Sergeant Conor McShane said the defendant had not come to Garda attention since the incident.

PICTURES | High drama and lots of excitement for supporters as nailing biting Longford county final goes to a replay

The court heard Mr Dunne had five previous convictions.

Mr Gearty said his client is doing quite well now and in terms of his personal life he has settled down and is behaving himself.

Also read: Longford's Evelyn Neary honoured as ‘Hero of the Year’ for turning her grief into a powerful force for good

Judge Owens noted the compensation had been paid and she decided to give Mr Dunne the benefit of the Probation Act.