Query over costs of Longford criminal damage

A woman accused of criminal damage will return before the court in May when Gardaí will clarify the estimated cost of damages at the centre of the case.
Michelle Donaldson (44) of 35 Silver Birches, Stonepark, Longford was charged with causing excess damage to an internal door belonging to another person.

Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court that at 12:20pm on August 3, 2022 Longford Garda station received a call regarding screaming and shouting by a female pushing a lawnmower around the estate in the Stonepark area.

When the officers arrived they heard screaming and shouting from a residence and observed a woman smashing objects in the house. Sergeant Mahon said the Gardaí spoke to the woman who was “extremely intoxicated and aggressive”.

As the officers arrested the woman for her own safety she spat at them and attempted to bite a Garda. She continued to be aggressive when she was taken to the Garda station.

Initially Sgt Mahon said the owner of the house estimated the total cost of the damages at €300, however this was revised up to €2,300.
Solicitor John Quinn said his client was “going through a difficult period at the time” and asked to be given time to make a compensation payment.

However Mr Quinn said he would have to be given a breakdown of the damages as he believed the estimate was “on the high side”.
Judge Owens adjourned the matter to May 16, 2023 to allow for clarification on the full cost of the damages.