Window smasher at Enda Kenny's office escapes jail

A MAN who broke a window at Taoiseach Enda Kenny's constituency office last May later described Mr. Kenny to gardai as a 'traitor' who had 'robbed the country.'

Liam Heffernan, Kilnageer, Belcarra, Castlebar, was held by 'bouncers' at a nightclub close to the Fine Gael premises in Tucker Street after smashing the window in the early hours of May 26 last.

Judge Mary Devins was told at Castlebar District Court today  that it cost €300 to repair the window and that similar criminal damage had been inflicted by the accused on the premises previously.

Garda Noelle Barrett said that when arrested and cautioned, Heffernan, who was highly intoxicated, told him :'I broke the traitor's office. He robbed the country. I broke the window before and I will do it again.'

Mr. Heffernan, who pleaded guilty to criminal damage, brought €300 with him to court to pay for repairs to the window.

Expressing remorse for his action, stating that alcohol had been a trigger factor, he added:

'I could not believe it when I woke up the next morning and found I had done the same thing again,'

The accused went on to say he had strong feelings about the political system and the way the country is being run.

Describing himself as 'non violent', Heffernan said he had banged on the window but did not expect it to break.

He said it had not been act of utter criminaliity and he had 'wandered around town afterwards dripping blood.'

Pleading for a suspended prison sentence, the accused explained he was in the process

of setting up a non-profit organisation in Castlebar offering counselling services.

Asked by the judge if he drinks now he replied he only takes a few beers and he is making use of an App which monitors his alcohol intake.

Heffernan agreed with Inspector Tom Calvey (prosecuting) it would be prudent for him to abstain from alcohol altogether.

Evidence was given to the court of previous incidents involving the accused where he had caused similar criminal damage to the constituency office and had been given community service  in lieu of prison sentences.

Judge Devins ordered the payment of the €300 available in court to the injured party.

She remanded Heffernan on continuing bail to Castlebar District Court on July 18, 2018, for penalties warning him that in the event of any difficulties between now and then he will not be getting any further chances.