Jailfordamageto St. Oliver’scollege

A 22 year old Drogheda man was jailed for his role in an attack on St. Oliver’s Community College which resulted in hundreds of windows broken and over 3,000 books damaged.

Dean McKenna, who was residing at 25 Beechwood Drive at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to charges relating to an incident in the early hours of June 14th 2015, when there was extensive damage caused to the school.

Witnesses from a neighbouring estate alerted gardai to two men going along the outside of the school building ‘casually breaking one window after another’ at around 5am.

The court was told that 211 windows had to be replaced as a result of the damage caused. The incident had also happened during Leaving Cert and other examinations, and caused great distress to students and staff, as they attempted to sit exams that week.

The accused had been arrested shortly after the incident as he attempted to flee across the green in the nearby estate.

The court heard that he was intoxicated when arrested, and when questioned said it was ‘not that many windows’ which had been broken.

However, when he was informed of the extensive damage he was very remorseful, and indeed took the stand at the court to make a personal apology.

‘I genuinely am very sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I had a rough few years.’

Dean’s half-brother, who is a community youth worker, also gave evidence that the 20 year old had moved in with him, and was taking positive steps to move in the right direction with his life.

In sentencing, Judge Michael O’Shea said the ‘extensive damage’ had been the result of ‘ senseless vandalism.’

He said the loss to the school ,was ‘substantial’ and included the stress of dealing with such damage and repairs when state examinations were being held.

He imposed a two and a half year prison terms, but suspended the last 12 months.

Dean McKenna was also before the court for charges relating to an assault at Storm niteclub, Drogheda on October 6th, 2013.

The court heard that when saw a man hug his ex girlfriend, he reacted ‘outrageously’ by lunging towards the man.

In his attempt to strike the other male, he inadvertently struck his ex-girlfriend on the mouth, and she was thrown against a wall.

His actions resulted in his former girlfriend falling on broken glass, and sustaining a number of cuts to her calf and foot.

Her injuries required a series of stitches to her lower leg and affected foot.

When questioned by gardai, he apologised for his actions, and said he had ‘over-reacted’ and ‘ misjudged’ the contact made.

Judge O’Shea said it was a ‘complete over-reaction’ by the accused, and added that the young woman had every right to enjoy a night out without fear of being injured.

He imposed an 18 month sentence for this offence.