Courts / Dublin / Report

Man jailed for daubing graffiti about death of brother

Summary

Ray Burke, 47, was sentenced to one year in jail for committing criminal damage that cost about €12,000. He sprayed graffiti slogans on several Dublin sites, including Clontarf Dart station, a store on Talbot Street, and the GPO on O'Connell Street, in protest over his brother's death. Burke's brother died a number of years ago, and an open verdict was recorded in the death, which may have been suicide or a jump into a canal while being pursued by gardaí. Burke pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage, was caught on CCTV, and has 24 prior convictions. He has a history of poly‑substance abuse and psychiatric issues, and his defence argued the acts were not typical criminal damage. Judge Martin Nolan noted Burke's motives were driven by a sense of injustice over his brother's death and imposed the sentence accordingly.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man jailed for daubing graffiti about death of brother. Charges or matters: three counts of criminal damage. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 16 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-02-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report