Courts / Dublin / Report

Bench warrant for serial offender who damaged Luke Kelly statue

Summary

A bench warrant was issued for Michael Dunne, 50, after he failed to attend sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a criminal damage offence involving the Luke Kelly statue, which was damaged with blue paint costing €240. Dunne, who has 51 prior convictions since 1986 including five for criminal damage, had previously pleaded guilty on 12 July 2020. The court had adjourned the case to allow preparation of reports, but when Dunne was absent and his lawyers could not contact him, Judge Orla Crowe issued the warrant. Garda David Kelly had identified Dunne from CCTV footage of the damage, and he had been arrested, though no further evidence was obtained. Dunne's defence lawyer, Katherine McGillicuddy, noted his long‑standing drug addiction and that he had received drugs as a reward for the act, and expressed sincere apologies for the offence. The case highlights the ongoing issue of repeated criminal behaviour and the impact on the local community.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bench warrant for serial offender who damaged Luke Kelly statue. Charges or matters: criminal damage on July 12, 2020. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• July 12, 2020 Adjournment
• 2023-12-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report