Courts / Dublin / Report

Addict threw paint on Luke Kelly statue

Summary

Michael Dunne, aged 50 and a long‑time drug addict, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 12 July 2020 to criminal damage after he threw blue paint on a Luke Kelly statue. He had 51 prior convictions, including five for criminal damage, dating back to 1986. Garda David Kelly discovered the damage and used nearby CCTV footage to identify Dunne, who was arrested but no further action followed the initial garda interviews. The defence, led by Katherine McGillicuddy, argued that Dunne was vulnerable, had no intention to damage the statue, and received drugs as a reward for the act. The court heard that the paint caused €240 in damage. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case to 12 October for sentencing, allowing time for the preparation of various reports.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Addict threw paint on Luke Kelly statue. Charges or matters: criminal damage on July 12, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 12, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 12 Adjournment
• 2023-06-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report