Man who smashed Wicklow pub windows with wheel brace has sentence cut
The Wicklow PeopleA Dublin man who smashed the windows of a Wicklow pub with a wheel brace and threatened staff has had his sentence reduced on appeal.
Thomas Heneghan (36), of Decies Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, appeared before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for a District Court appeal.
Mr Heneghan pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.
He was originally sentenced to 10 months imprisonment on the criminal damage charge, with the final four months suspended, in early 2025. The charge of possession of an offensive weapon was taken into consideration.
State solicitor Brian Robinson told the court that Mr Heneghan was at The Glenmalure Lodge, when he became aggressive towards staff.
The defendant and an accomplice, who was under the age of 18 at the time, had been drinking inside the pub.
Mr Heneghan proceeded to smash the windows at the front of the premises with a wheel brace, which he had earlier used to change a flat tyre.
He then threatened members of staff, saying “I will kill you,” and added: “Yous will get what’s coming to you.”
CCTV footage and mobile phone video were obtained by gardaí, and the defendant was identified. A search warrant was later executed at his home.
The court was told that Mr Heneghan had met the minor at a campsite he frequently visited. They then made their way to the pub, where he claims management tried to intimidate him and removed him from the premises.
“I have never seen discrimination like it in all my life,” Mr Heneghan remarked.
Counsel for the defence, Sorcha Dianamh Ní Néill Fulham BL, noted that her client had entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity and had offered €2,500 in compensation. The damage caused during the incident cost the owner €1,800 to repair. The final €700 was awarded for personal damages.
Ms Ní Néill Fulham added that her client lost the opportunity to join the Defence Forces due to the custodial element of the original sentence, and that such behaviour would not be tolerated in the army. The defendant was training for the army when the incident took place.
Judge Patrick Quinn overruled the District Court sentence. The defendant’s sentence was reduced to two months imprisonment, with the final month suspended for a period of one year. The compensation was accepted by the court.