Six-month sentence suspended for man who damaged Garda’s car

A 38-year-old Leitrim man who placed a gas cylinder on the bonnet of a Garda’s private car, causing more than €1,500 worth of damage, has been given a six-month suspended sentence at Carrick on Shannon District Court on Oct 21.

Mark Gannon, with no fixed address, appeared before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham charged with criminal damage and public order offences arising from incidents in February 2023.

Prosecution told the court that CCTV footage captured Gannon picking up a beer keg and later picking up a gas cylinder and then ran with it towards Ballinamore Garda Station, and placed it on the bonnet of Sergeant Damien Guckian’s private car causing dents and scratches to the paintwork.

“The gas cylinder was found resting on the bonnet of the private vehicle. There was clear damage — it was quite substantial.” The total cost of repairs came to €1,594, the court heard. When questioned, Gannon admitted it was him on the CCTV, replying, “It looks like me — the camera doesn’t lie,” and offered to pay full compensation, which he has since done.

On 9 February 2024, Gardaí responding to reports of an intoxicated male in Glebe street Mohill found Gannon lying on the ground. He was described as “highly intoxicated and verbally abusive towards Gardai called them wa*ke*s,” and proceeded to urinate on the public footpath as members of the public passed.
Gardai called an ambulance as they were concerned for his safety due to the cut to the back of his head. He was arrested under the Public Order Act for his own safety.

Gannon’s Solicitor John McGuinness told the court his client had 43 previous convictions, mostly for public order and criminal damage, but had been sober for 20 months and was now living quietly in Mohill.

“All of Mr Gannon’s previous convictions were triggered by alcohol,” Mr McGuinness said. “He hasn’t touched a drop in nearly two years. He’s doing odd jobs, has stable accommodation, and has shown real remorse. He even personally apologised to Garda Finnegan, which was accepted as genuine.”

Judge Cunningham described the incident as “serious and sinister in the extreme,” particularly as it involved targeting a Garda’s private property.

“This court cannot condone such behaviour in any form,” she said. “It warrants a custodial sentence. However, given the plea of mitigation, the compensation paid, and his apparent turnaround, I am prepared to suspend the sentence.”

Gannon was convicted of criminal damage and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months on condition that he enter a €200 own bond and remain of good behaviour.

“This is an opportunity,” Judge Cunningham warned. “If there is a further conviction, the suspended sentence will be imposed.”

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