'Offensive weapons' -Longford man caught with pepper spray, claw hammer and sharp blade

A 25 year old man found in possession of pepper spray and a claw hammer who 'wanted' to be taken into Garda custody has been remanded on bail until next May at Longford District Court.

Judge Bernadette Owens heard how Kyle Quinn of 30 Springlawn, Co Longford, has pleaded guilty to having had a canister of pepper spray, a claw hammer which 'had a blade or which was sharply pointed', and a silver Stanley blade in his possession on February 7 this year at Longford’s Battery Road.

The charges all relate to the same incident and Mr Quinn also stands accused of having caused damage to a car on the same date and at the same address.

Sergeant Enda McNulty, court presenter, informed Judge Bernadette Owens there was an issue with a four year suspended sentence which was hanging over him.

"A member of the public entered the public office at Longford Garda Station and informed Garda Rachel Duignan that a male with a hammer was breaking the window of a car, a red 161 Mazda at Battery Road.

"Garda Duignan and Garda Horan arrived at the scene and observed a man with a hammer.

"This man was searched and he was found in possession of a Stanley blade and pepper spray.

"There was damage to the passenger window and the rear passenger window and the windscreen was smashed but no items were taken from the vehicle."

Sgt McNulty said it appeared to be a random criminal damage incident and the defendant was subsequently arrested, interviewed and charged.

The estimated damage was said to be around €200-€300.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, defending, informed Judge Bernadette Owens his client is currently before Longford Circuit Court and there is a 'four year suspended sentence, which is hanging over him'.

"Judge Connolly has been keeping a very close eye on him, he did spend a period of time in custody in relation to this matter, he went into custody voluntarily on March 18th and we we didn't apply for bail and he was there until July 25th when your colleague Judge [Kenneth] Connolly then granted him bail on the basis that he was working full time and he had work when he got out."

Legal representative Mr Quinn said the suspended sentence had been reactivated but that matter had been adjourned until May 19, 2026 by Judge Connolly on the basis that his client is on very strict bail conditions and he is obliged to sign on daily at Longford Garda Station.

Solicitor Mr Quinn said the defendant is also subject to a curfew and he handed two work references into Judge Owens.

"Judge Connolly has been monitoring the situation and he has given him quite a big opportunity I think to prove himself and so far he has done very well since he came out of prison and he is working full time."

"Ultimately he knows that nothing is set in stone in terms of the suspended sentence being reactivated and Judge Connolly has made no promises in that regard."

The legal representative also referred to a medical report compiled by Dr Norton which he stated "gave an insight into the background and to why this offending took place and it seemed to really be a cry for help judge for Mr Quinn in that he essentially wanted to go into custody whilst committing this offense, there was no other motive".

Judge Owens decided to impose a five month prison sentence which she suspended for a 12-month period.
She said Mr Quinn is aware of the likely possibility in the event if he comes back before her again and reoffends or does not abide by his bail conditions.

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