Louth burglar smashed e-scooter through window of house as occupants slept upstairs

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A father of three broke into a house and took an e-scooter from the hall before he smashed it into the front window as a couple slept upstairs, Dundalk Court has heard.

Martin McDonagh (24), Castletown Road, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to a burglary charge arising from the incident and admitted hi s part in a separate matter which also occurred close to his home in 2023 when he damaged a car.

It was stated on behalf of the defendant that he was suffering from PTSD having been shot at in a case of mistaken identity.

Gda Shane McTeague said that between 2am and 3am on March 25, 2023, a couple asleep in their home at Woodview Terrace, Castletown Road, were awoken by a noise, paid no attention to it and went back to sleep.

They discovered that an e-scooter in the hall had been taken before being put through the front window.

Gardaí were contacted at 9.08am and saw boot marks on the front door.

A neighbour’s CCTV was viewed. Gda McTeague said that he identified Martin McDonagh from it.

The footage showed him walking past at 3am before kicking in the front door.

On the following May 30, the accused was arrested at 7.30pm on suspicion of burglary. He made no reply after caution.

Mr McDonagh made admissions during an interview.

Damage to the window was €400, e-scooter €300 and front door €200.

Gda Leah Shipley testified that on November 12, 2023, a man parked his Hyundai Tucson outside The Wok takeaway in Castletown Road.

When he returned a short time later he saw that the driver’s side wing mirror had been damaged. There was a footprint on the door.

Gda Shipley continued that she found the defendant hiding in an alleyway nearby.

CCTV from the takeaway showed a man kicking the wing mirror.

In custody, Mr McDonagh gave a “no comment” interview. He was charged the next day and made no reply after caution.

The car owner had not provided a receipt for the damage.

There were 94 previous convictions, including 41 for theft, four for criminal damage and 2 for burglary.

Barrister Eoghan Fagan said that his client was making strides of late. He was engaging with the Probation Service and Turas Counselling Service. His children were a stabilising factor.

Mr McDonagh had recently lost his uncle. He was suffering from PTSD having been shot at in a case of mistaken identity.

A landscaper by occupation, he wanted to put the losses right.

Judge Michael Ramsey adjourned the case to December 17 for a probation report and payment of €900 compensation.

Legal aid was granted and the court certified for counsel.