Longford Circuit Court hears of attempt to cover up incident which caused over €44,000 in damage to a GAA clubhouse

“Both parties deserve a custodial sentence,” Judge Kenneth Connolly said of Tina Egan (49) and Stephen Bowling (36), both of 10 Silveroe Drive, Boyle, Roscommon for their part in an attempt to cover up an incident which caused over €44,000 in damage to a Westmeath GAA clubhouse.

Tina Egan pleaded guilty to giving false information of an accident to make gain by deception, while Stephen Bowling pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Ballymore GAA, failing to stay at the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident, driving without a driver's licence, driving without insurance and dangerous driving.

State prosecutor Shane Geraghty BL, asked Garda Simon Connaughton of Glasson Garda Station to outline details of the evidence before the court. On Sunday, July 23, 2022 the Garda received a call regarding an allegation of criminal damage.

A black Nissan Qashqai driven on the property of the GAA club on the Westmeath Longford border struck the gable end of the club's dressing room causing serious structural damage. A review of the CCTV showed the vehicle entering the car park and doing what Garda Connaghton described as “doughnuts”.

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The footage showed the vehicle driving toward the lake, then going out of the view of the camera, however following the impact of the car into the building plaster could be seen falling from the wall.

The driver, Mr Bowling, then drove off. Later that day Ms Egan reported to a Garda station that she was driving her car when it was involved in a hit and run. She claimed a red Audi hit her from behind and then fled the scene.

After notifying Gardaí, Ms Egan then contacted AXA insurance, giving a detailed statement on the fictitious collision describing the driver of the other car as “a big woman”.

An assessment of the defendant's car described it as a “Category B: total loss” as a result of the collision.

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Gardai investigating the criminal damage incident at Ballymore GAA tracked the vehicle in the footage back to Ms Egan. When Garda Connaughton called to the defendant's home and asked who was driving Mr Bowling shouted at Ms Egan, telling her not to answer and said the Gardaí needed a warrant.

When Ms Egan confirmed her partner was the driver Mr Bowling lay on the floor crying and admitted driving the vehicle and hitting the dressing room. Ms Egan told the authorities she initially claimed to be the driver because Mr Bowling threatened serious self harm.

In a Garda interview the defendant said he felt terrible about everything, he said he “got scared”, admitted to being unable to drive because of his mental health difficulties.

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Garda Connaughton said Mr Bowling was “quite upset throughout questioning” and that he stated: “It's the last time I will ever get in a car.”

The offending driver explained he was visiting his parents house with Ms Egan and experienced a “sensory overload” when a house alarm went off and children were crying.

The defendant said “something triggered” and he did not know what he was doing at the time due to his mental health issues.

A victim impact statement from Ballymore GAA detailed the €44,475 in damage caused by the crash and another €10,000 in additional security measures implemented to secure the site. The club also experienced a loss of income as the facilities were unavailable and there was a protracted issue with the insurance company before any money was paid out.

The court was told Mr Bowling had five previous convictions, primarily for public order and going back 12 years. Ms Egan had no previous convictions.

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Barrister Kieran Collins BL said his client was “labouring under complex and difficult mental health issues”. He told Judge Connolly that Mr Bowling's behaviour was reckless, but pointed out that there was “no malice involved”. Mr Collins described a “disassociated episode”.

He told the judge that the couple have a 12 year old son with sensory issues.

Counsel for Ms Egan, Neasa O’Callaghan BL, said her client cooperated fully when the matter was clarified. Ms O'Callaghan said the defendant was “almost relieved” when she saw Garda Connaughton coming to the door.

Counsel said there were a “number of issues at play” and in the intervening time Ms Egan found Mr Bowling after he had attempted to take an overdose of tablets.

In the witness box Mr Bowling apologised to the GAA club for his actions. He told the court he intends to sign himself into Cluain Mhuire for a residential treatment programme once the family establishes stable accommodation.

Judge Connolly described the level of deceit in the matter as a “worry”: “Ms Egan's story was well formulated and devious.

“Even if Mr Bowling had told her he would kill himself, that is little excuse to concoct this elaborate story. It was fortuitous that the car park was empty,” the judge said.

Judge Connolly noted the early guilty plea, but added it only came when “the goose was cooked”, but accepted Mr Bowling's contrition, remorse and commitment to address his issues.

The judge said the appropriate sentence for Mr Bowling was four years and three months, but this could be reduced to three years and six months with mitigation.

He said that Ms Egan had “more significant aggravating factors”.

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Describing her as an “utterly willing participant” the judge said her crime deserved two years in prison.

“Both parties deserve a custodial sentence,” Judge Connolly said, “but both parties and their child rely on each other.”

The judge said he would suspend all the custodial sentence years, but directed both defendants come under the supervision of probation service. Mr Bowling must set up a standing order of €15 to be paid weekly to Ballymore GAA for the next five years.
Ms Egan received 240 hours of community service in lieu of 16 month in custody. She must also set up a standing order of €10 to be paid to Ballymore GAA.

Mr Bowling was also disqualified from driving for six years.

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