Notorious garda murderer threw keg at jeweller's window, court hears

A 70-year-old man with a significant criminal history appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court charged with criminal damage. The defendant pleaded guilty to throwing a keg against a jewellery store window on Grafton Street on July 23, 2015, causing damage valued at over €8,300. The court heard he was intoxicated at the time of the offence. While the window sustained considerable damage, it did not break entirely and no items were stolen. The defendant has twelve previous convictions including arson, burglary and theft. His defence counsel indicated he suffers from longstanding mental health difficulties and expressed remorse, with an offer to compensate the jeweller using his pension. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned proceedings until April 7 to obtain a probation report, acknowledging the complexity of the case given the defendant's extensive custodial history and post-release conduct.