A man who drove into six cars parked outside Dundalk Garda station and caused €17,000 in damage was yesterday given a suspended sentence on strict conditions.
Francis O'Brien (43), Oakland Park, Dundalk, Co Louth, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the cars, including a Garda patrol car, in the early hours of June 20th, 2004. The rest were private cars belonging to gardaí. He also drove at a garda as he tried to escape. He admitted dangerous driving.
The court previously heard the offences took place after Mr O'Brien heard the DPP was not going to prosecute over serious allegations he had made.
In Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Pat McCartan said Mr O'Brien had "an appalling record of 20 previous convictions, including one for robbery. He is not the innocent person his counsel wants the court to believe him to be."
The judge described his behaviour as "bizarre" and said he had also failed to co-operate with the probation officer - the court had adjourned the case for a probation report to be prepared.
The court heard Mr O'Brien had a serious alcohol problem and had been before the district court this year on two drink-related offences. However, Judge McCartan said Mr O'Brien's actions on the night were "poorly judged and misguided" and said he would suspend a three-year jail sentence if he stayed out of trouble and was of good behaviour.