Man admits €14,000 of damage to community centre

A man was arrested for causing €14,000 worth of damage to a community centre after gardaí­spotted him leaving the premises dressed only in his
boxers and carrying a fire extinguisher.

Christopher Tuohy and an accomplice went on a rampage through the centre after drinking heavily and taking drugs. He was in his underwear as he had decided to go for a swim during the incident, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. His defence counsel submitted that it was an act of madness and that "they were not a crack team of professional burglars".

Tuohy (21), of Old Church Avenue, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to trespass and criminal damage at Clondalkin Sports Centre on November 14th, 2012. He has 16 previous convictions for public order, trespass and theft offences.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned sentencing until next April and ordered an updated report from the Probation Services. She said it was the people of Clondalkin who were the main injured parties since they were deprived of the use of the centre through Tuohy's actions.