County Longford defendant smashed house windows after 'altercation' as woman slept inside

A judge has requested a victim impact statement after hearing that a defendant allegedly called to the victim’s house at 2am and smashed the front windows as she slept inside. 

42-year-old James Gibson of 5 Mostrim Oaks, Edgeworthstown, Longford, was brought before the court by Garda Louise Anne Crehan charged with having caused “criminal damage to the windows and glass of a front door at a private dwelling” in Edgeworthstown on March 2 last year. 

A warrant for Mr Gibson’s arrest was issued when he failed to appear in court on September 23 last.

Addressing the court, Sergeant Mark Mahon, “he broke all the windows in the front of the house while a woman was asleep inside.”

Solicitor John Anderson, who was representing the accused, clarified this remark, stating, “Two windows is what my client tells me, Judge.” 

Upon requesting to know the value of the broken windows, Judge Owens was informed the figure was €600. 

“He is entering a plea of guilty; he is admitting to the offence, Judge. He has brought the sum of €100.”

“That’s not going to get us very far,” replied Judge Owens. 

“No it’s not, Judge, but in fairness to the man…” Mr Anderson began, “he has limited means.”

“He had the ability to get up to this woman’s house at what time in the morning?” Judge Owens asked the sergeant.

“Two in the morning, Judge,” Sgt Mahon replied. 

When asked if the accused had previous convictions, the sergeant replied, “there’s a total of 20 previous convictions.” Sgt Mahon added that Mr Gibson’s most recent conviction was for a public order matter on May 6 this year where he was fined €350.

Addressing the solicitor for the accused, Judge Owens asked if there was an issue between the man and the injured party. 

“They were friends, Judge,” Mr Anderson began, “but there was an altercation with this man’s children and this man went up to discuss the matter.” 

“Well you don’t go up to somebody’s house at two  in the morning,” Judge Owens replied.  “I know Judge,” Mr Anderson agreed. 

Judge Owens explained she was going to direct a victim impact statement as well as a probation report, and said Mr Gibson needed “to work on gathering full compensation.”

She remanded Mr Gibson on continuing bail until February 10, accompanied by the stern warning, “Mr Anderson, your client is not out of the woods on this at all.”

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