Two men who were involved in an arson attack on a Ballina community centre were before Ballina District Court this week.
John McDonagh, 18 St Patrick’s Estate, was before court on entering a building as a trespasser charge, while Thomas Moyles, 48 St Patrick’s Estate, was before court on a criminal damage charge.
The facts were outlined that on October 23 2009 at 2.55am, gardaí arrived at a fire which had engulfed the Parkside resource centre, Ballina. The front window had been smashed and a petrol canister set alight and thrown in.
Two men fled the scene. Moyles and McDonagh were caught by gardaí. Moyles had a smell of petrol from his clothes, however he said that another person started the fire. McDonagh admitted setting a petrol can on fire and throwing it in, but later withdrew his statement.
The fire brigade had to force entry to extinguish the fire. A total of €5,000 worth of damage was caused.
Defence for both men said that the community centre was designated to be demolished, which has since occurred, for a new housing project.
Moyles (23 ), who had one previous conviction, was convicted and sentenced by Judge Aeneas McCarthy to five months in prison, suspended for two years.
McDonagh also faced three section six public order charges and one obstruction of a garda charge.
On December 21 2010, a garda arrived at Garden Street after a report of a row. McDonagh shouted abuse at the garda and McDonagh failed to leave the area when directed. McDonagh charged and lashed out at the garda before being restrained.
On July 5 2010, McDonagh was observed roaring and shouting abuse, while intoxicated, on Tolan Street.
On May 29 2010, McDonagh was observed to drink a can of lager on Pearse Street. The intoxicated defendant was asked by a garda to put the can in the bin. McDonagh told the garda to “f**k off”, continued to shout abuse, and spat at the garda. When arrested McDonagh said to the garda “I hope you get cancer” and he tried to headbutt the garda.
The 20-year-old, who has previous convictions, has according to his solicitor John Gordon, an alcohol and psychiatric problem.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy convicted and sentenced McDonagh to a total of eight months in prison. Recognisances were fixed.
