Man who broke wing mirror on woman’s van thought it was his friend’s vehicle

A man charged with causing criminal damage to a woman’s van had too much alcohol taken, and believed the vehicle belonged to someone else, a Donegal court heard. 

Niall Johnston, 29, of 25 Windmill Heights, Enniskillen, was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, February 7. He pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage by breaking a wing mirror and damaging a rear door locking mechanism on a vehicle owned by Maria Carmen Poveda Valera. The offence which is contrary to Section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991 occurred at Atlantic Way, Bundoran on September 1, 2024. 

Inspector Sean McGuinness told the court that at around 3am on the date in question, gardaí were flagged down by a female. She told them that the defendant had broken the wing mirror of her van. 

Inspector McGuinness said the defendant admitted causing the damage, but had believed the vehicle belonged to someone else.

The court heard that Johnston had no previous convictions. Damage was valued at €400, with no compensation having been paid to the victim to date. 

Defence solicitor Rory O’Brien told the court that his client had been visiting Bundoran with friends.

“He had far too much alcohol,” said the solicitor. “A dispute broke out between himself and a friend who had a vehicle which was identical to this vehicle. It was a tiff that was over as soon as it began. It would have been resolved between the two parties. 

“That is no excuse. He has admitted his wrong and cooperated fully with the investigation.”

Mr O’Brien said his client was not working at the moment due to some difficulties, but was willing to pay compensation given time.

“He has no difficulty apologising profusely,” added the solicitor.

Judge Sandra Murphy acknowledged that the defendant had no previous convictions and was in court to face the matter.

She remanded Johnston on continuing bail to Ballyshannon District Court on May 2 to allow compensation to be paid.

The judge agreed to an application for legal aid subject to a statement of means being submitted.

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