Donegal man avoids conviction after breaking into Garda station 'for shelter'
An Inishowen man who broke into a Garda Station has avoided a conviction.
Conor Hegarty was brought before Letterkenny District Court on foot of a bench warrant and was given the benefit of the Probation Act.
Hegarty, of Disternan, Gleneely, was charged with trespassing on a building, Buncrana Garda Station, at McCarter’s Road, on November 22, 2023.
Garda William O’Donnell gave evidence of arresting Hegarty and executing the bench warrant.
He was charged with an offence contrary to section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.
Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle outlined that at 7.10am on the day in question, Hegarty was seen pushing open a window and climbing into the Garda Station.
A few hours earlier, Hegarty had been arrested at The Diamond, Carndonagh, after becoming aggressive and agitated when Gardai approached him.
He was also found in possession of a penknife and cocaine to the value of €100 when conveyed to the Garda Station. Hegarty has no previous convictions, the court heard.
Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Hegarty, said that Hegarty has had issues with alcohol and drugs, but is now “clean and sober”. He said his client had been living rough and had a pocket knife as a result.
He said he had gone into the Garda station “for shelter”.
He asked Judge Ciaran Liddy to take into account Hegarty’s early plea and the fact that he is now on the straight and narrow again.
Judge Liddy applied section 1.1 of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907.