Wicklow man smashed windows in train station causing €300 worth of damage while intoxicated
The Wicklow PeopleA 23-year-old man from Arklow has appeared before Bray District Court charged in connection with a string of offences committed across the town over the past several months.
Brandon Breen (23), of 4 Mary B. Mitchell Close, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty to nine charges, including theft, criminal damage, drug possession, trespass, and public intoxication. The offences occurred between May and September 2025.
The court heard that on September 4, 2025, Mr Breen was found in unlawful possession of drugs at Arklow Garda Station.
On the same day, he was also intoxicated in a public place at Mary B. Mitchell Close and caused criminal damage at Arklow Train Station. The court was told by Sergeant Anthony Flynn that Mr Breen was intoxicated at the time of the incident, Breen became involved in an altercation with the station master, who subsequently locked himself in an office. Breen then smashed the office windows, causing €300 worth of damage
Two further charges related to incidents on September 3, 2025, at Marsella’s in Ferrybank, Arklow, where he trespassed with intent to commit theft and caused criminal damage. The court heard that €240 worth of drinks were taken during the offence.
Mr Breen also pleaded guilty to multiple theft charges. The first related to an incident on May 23, 2025, at Aldi on North Quay in Arklow.
He also stole items on June 10, 2025, from Circle K Safeway on Dublin Road, and again on June 11, 2025, from Dunnes Stores in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre.
A further theft charge related to an incident on September 10, 2025, at Petits SuperValu in Arklow.
The solicitor for Mr Breen told the court that his client intended to start a job on September 29, 2025, working for a roofing company run by a friend of his late father. He added that Mr Breen has a strong dependency on alcohol and had tried to begin a rehabilitation programme so he could get his daughter back, who is currently in the care of the State.
Judge David Kennedy was informed that Mr Breen was in no financial position to pay for the damages caused during the incidents. When asked about the job, Mr Breen replied, “I got it through my mother.”
Judge Kennedy instructed Garda Eamon Furlong to call Mr Breen’s mother to verify the employment. Garda Furlong later told the court that Mr Breen’s mother said “I have no idea what he is talking about”.
Solicitor for Mr Breen, Gregory Murphy BL, apologised to the court for his client’s dishonesty, with Judge Kennedy telling him, “You were only doing as instructed.”
Judge Kennedy told Mr Breen, “I would lock you up for six or nine months,” adding, “but you would be out in a matter of days”.
Breen was remanded on continuing bail to appear again before Arklow District Court on November 12. As part of his bail conditions, he must sign on daily at Arklow Garda Station between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.; observe a curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; and remain of sober habits.