Paddy Lynch receives suspended sentence for criminal damage

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Paddy Lynch received a fully suspended two-year sentence for trespass and criminal damage at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court from Judge Melanie Greally. The proceedings were reported on 10 February 2022.

Lynch pleaded guilty to one count of trespass and criminal damage. The offences occurred at the General Register Office on Werburgh Street, Dublin, on 9 May 2020, causing €8,000 damage to an electronic gate and an internal security door.

The sentence was suspended on condition that Lynch keep the peace and continue engaging with the Probation Services and drug treatment services if required. Defence counsel Esther Okunowo BL said he was homeless and struggled with drug addiction; the court heard trauma linked to the 2015 Carrickmines fire was a factor, while the judge noted his genuine efforts to address the problem.