A man charged with causing criminal damage arising from a graffiti attack in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, last weekend has been remanded in custody until next Tuesday.
Andrzej Kozlowski (28) from Poland was charged on two counts of causing an estimated €67,000 worth of damage to houses, cars and businesses and to the local GAA club premises between 3am and 5am last Saturday.
Judge John Coughlan was told at Tullamore District Court yesterday that Mr Kozlowski - who had an airline ticket to leave Ireland today - had been working for a meat plant for the last five months and had lived in the town during that period.
Insp Pat Murray told the court that in his view Mr Kozlowski was a flight risk and Judge Coughlan remanded him in custody.
Sgt Gerry Lennon told the court that a number of other charges would follow.
The damage to three cars, houses and businesses would cost an estimated €67,000 to repair, said Sgt Lennon.
He told the court that Mr Kozlowski had expressed remorse for his alleged actions and after his arrest yesterday morning, he said if he could go back in time he would.
He repeated that he was really sorry.
Mr Kozlowski did not speak English and no Polish translator was available in court. Judge Coughlan said bail could be applied for on Tuesday when a translator would be present.
Sgt Lennon told the court that Mr Kozlowski "had a lot of alcohol consumed".
"Poor old GAA," concluded Judge Coughlan, referring to the graffiti painted on the club's front wall.
Meanwhile, a notice distributed in Kilbeggan earlier this week titled "Letter from Polish community to Kilbeggan people concerning spray paint crime" and posted in some shops apologised for graffiti vandalism last weekend.
The notice said as an immigrant community, they were deeply sorry for damage caused and deeply appreciated Irish hospitality and the friendly attitude towards them.
The notice continued that the community would help any investigation.