Letterkenny graffiti was 'artistic nature rather than plain defacement', court told

A man who daubed graffiti at various locations in Letterkenny has been given a chance to avoid a conviction.

John Hallisey appeared before Letterkenny District Court in connection with the incidents on April 7, 2024.

A 26-year-old of Rock View Wood Road, Ballincollig, Co Cork, Hallisey was charged with five counts of criminal damage.

Hallisey pleaded guilty to two counts, which was accepted by the State on a full facts basis.

Hallisey was charged with criminal damage at Permanent TSB, Upper Main Street; McGettigan’s Hotel, Upper Main Street, Fonez, Main Street; Pertra, Upper Main Street; and to Donegal County Council flower beds on Main Street.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that gardai attended McGettigan’s Hotel between 2.15am and 2.30am on the date in question after being altered to graffiti having been put on the side wall of the building.

CCTV footage was harvested and a vehicle of interest was spotted. Hallisey was identified and Sergeant Collins confirmed that the defendant was fully cooperative and compliant when approached. 

Hallisey has no previous convictions and the total damage caused was €350, largely in respect of cleaning off the graffiti.

Mr Rory O’Brien, solicitor for Hallisey, said his client’s crimes were of “an artistic nature rather than plain defacement”.

Mr O’Brien said Hallisey is a freelance graphic designer who is working as a scaffolder and has now accepted that he was in the wrong.

“Banksy is heralded, yet Mr Hallisey carries out his role and he is prosecuted,” remarked Mr O’Brien. 

The solicitor added that it was a “very foolish thing to do”. 

“This was a wake-up call,” Mr O’Brien said, adding that Hallisey was apologetic.

Judge Emile Daly said if the various premises were compensated in full, Hallisey would avoid a conviction.